Hard Drive Help

[Latrinsorm]

This computer's hard drive is full (and a surprisingly low amount is porn) and more space is required. I figured the easiest thing to do would be to get an external hard drive. Now, this computer is a Dell Dimension something or other, so I know it's crappy, but we're not getting a new one anytime soon. So: what kind of external hard drive should I get? I looked on the Dell website, but I don't trust them. I mean, I trust strangers over the internet, just not ones with a corporate agenda (Eschaton).

[Skirmisher]

PC world just had an article about external hard drives and I seem to recall them giving a Maxtor top honors.

I also have an older dell dimmension and recently bought an extrernal hd for the same reason. Plus when I do buy a new machine in the coming 6-12 months this will greatly facilitate moving my old information to the new system.

I went with a 120gig Western Digital and have had no complaints. It was not the cheapest, but i like the company and had a gift certificate covering part so the extra 35 dollars was ok to me.

[Wezas]

I would check a few websites, like bizrate.com & pricewatch.com to look for the best deals. Make sure you have a firewire card in your dell if you're planning on using a firewire drive. Make sure it's 7200 RPM or faster (faster is usually a hell of alot more expensive). Definately go with a name you recognize (Western Digital, Maxtor, etc)

[Latrinsorm]

Does IBM count as a name I recognize? (Not being a smartass here.) I appreciate the help, regardless. :)

[Skirmisher]

I went and got the article that I was remembering cause i'm awsome like that.

External Drives for the Office and the Road <----Click Me!! (http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/article/0,aid,115058,pg,2,00.asp)

And the second part of that article, the specs and ratings:

Compare PC World Spotlight on External Hard Drives <---- Me Too !! (http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/article/0,aid,115058,00.asp)

And yes, it was the Maxtor OneTouch that they liked best in this particular article.

[TheEschaton]

Sadly, Latrin, I have a Dell as well. I'm sorry for disappointing you. ;)

-TheE-

[AnticorRifling]

I've got a western digital 200g USB2/Firewire external HDD and it works like a champ.

It has 60G of MP3's, 20G of videos, and 10G of software on it. It's accessed by about 10 people at once just as a music server and it works just fine.


How many IDE controllers do you have on that PC and how many drives do you have plugged in? It takes all of 3 minutes to crack a case and toss an internal drive in if you've got the room.

[Latrinsorm]

Originally posted by AnticorRifling
How many IDE controllers do you have on that PC and how many drives do you have plugged in? It takes all of 3 minutes to crack a case and toss an internal drive in if you've got the room. Man, I was feeling all optimistic until I read that. Let's see here... poking around in Control Panel it looks like I have 2 IDE controllers, a primary and a secondary, and they both are "dual fifo", which sounds like a M:TG term. Then I've got a Bus Master IDE controller, which I assume keeps the two in line. I'm almost positive there's only one hard drive in there as of now (because if there's more than one damn are they ever shitty) but I also have a CD drive and floppy drive, if that's at all relevant. I really really want to avoid my dad cracking anything open, because I'm not all confident in the ability of the computer to withstand his handyman skills.

From what you say, though, it sounds as if a person using the computer wouldn't be able to tell the difference between songs playing from the main hard drive or the external, which would be very good if I read correctly.

Skirm, I can't open those links at the moment, what with this computer being crappy, but I should be able to see them in the next couple days. :)

[AnticorRifling]

You can fit 3 more HDD's inside your computer if you have the right cables, but from what you are telling me an external HDD is the way to go.

And yes unless you know that the songs are coming off my external HDD you wouldn't know where they are stored.

Get a 100+ gig external USB 2.0 (Make sure it's a 2.0) or get firewire and install a firewire card/port.

[Latrinsorm]

Hot. :up:

BTW, my dad doesn't believe any of you exist, but I'm sure he appreciates the help too. :yes:

[Wezas]

Originally posted by Latrinsorm
Hot. :up:

BTW, my dad doesn't believe any of you exist, but I'm sure he appreciates the help too. :yes:

Well he's right, we're all here because you put us here. We're in your head.

Roomy.

[Skirmisher]

Sorry I don't have time to clean this up.

A quick cut and paste of one of those links. the prices listed are mostly for the larger sizes, and they mention them being significantly less for say a 120gig or so. Good luck!


Rank External Hard Drive: Desktop Comments
1
Best
Buy

COMPARE

Maxtor OneTouch
• 250GB
• USB 2.0 and FireWire interface
• 4 pounds, 0.2 ounces
• 7200 rpm
• 8MB buffer
• Price when ranked: $350
• Full Specs
• Check latest prices Coming in a tad short of second place overall in our speed tests, Maxtor's drive is a cinch to use. Other capacities: 80GB, 120GB, 160GB, 200GB, 250GB, 300GB. ( May 04)
Test Report
2


COMPARE

Ximeta NetDisk
• 160GB
• USB 2.0 and ethernet interface
• 2 pounds, 11.8 ounces
• 7200 rpm
• 2MB buffer
• Price when ranked: $240
• Full Specs
• Check latest prices Second only to the CMS drive in speed, the NetDisk can serve a single PC or a network. A software upgrade is on the way. Other capacities: 80GB, 120GB, 250GB. ( May 04)
Test Report
3


COMPARE

Seagate 160GB External Drive
• 160GB
• USB 2.0 and FireWire interface
• 3 pounds, 13.6 ounces
• 7200 rpm
• 8MB buffer
• Price when ranked: $250
• Full Specs
• Check latest prices Handsome drive provides one-button access to configurable backups. Available only in 160GB capacity. ( May 04)
Test Report
4


COMPARE

AcomData RocketPod DrivePod
• 160GB
• USB 2.0 interface
• 3 pounds, 12 ounces
• 7200 rpm
• 2MB buffer
• Price when ranked: $229
• Full Specs
• Check latest prices Multiples of this unique stackable drive can share a single USB connection. No backup software included. Also available in 120GB capacity. ( May 04)
Test Report
5


COMPARE

Western Digital Dual-Option Media Center
• 200GB
• USB 2.0 and FireWire interface
• 4 pounds, 5.2 ounces
• 7200 rpm
• 8MB buffer
• Price when ranked: $400
• Full Specs
• Check latest prices Great all-in-one storage box includes a USB hub and a memory card reader, but drive performance is a bit slow. Other capacities: 160GB, 250GB. ( May 04)
Test Report
6


COMPARE

CMS Products Velocity SATA Automatic Backup System
• 120GB
• Serial ATA interface
• 3 pounds, 7.1 ounces
• 7200 rpm
• 8MB buffer
• Price when ranked: $350
• Check latest prices Pricey drive provides impressive performance. Backs up data lightning-fast and can serve as a bootable hard disk. Other capacities: 80GB, 200GB. ( May 04)
Test Report

[Latrinsorm]

Originally posted by Wezas
Well he's right, we're all here because you put us here. We're in your head.I refuse to believe I could make up half the things Xcalibur says.

On the other hand, if I am descending into a madness of shattered personalities, at least I invented some hot chicks. :cheer:

Thanks again Skirmisher. :) It's a good sign when I understand at least half of what they're saying.