External USB as internal HDD?

[Noah0302]

Hey guys,

 

my hobby server from my last post is coming along well!

Spoiler

ALL USED:

Xeon X5660

24GB RAM

GTX 750ti

1TB HDD

Dell T3500 Mainboard

But since I plan on using it also as cloud storage, I was wondering what the cheapest option for that would be.

I'm thinking about using an external USB HDD like the Seagate Expansion Desktop, since it's so fucking cheap.

I know it will be slow and probably rather risky not using it in an raid array when it's on 24/7, but I just need big storage!

 

I pretty sure it should work, but I thought that it's always better to ask!

[SupaKomputa]

Open up the USB HDD and you'll find a regular sata disk inside.

No need to use it externally.

[HanZie82]

afaik you can use them as USB disks. but if you want to pop them out of their original enclosure and connect them to PC directly there might be some issues. (as in need to modify to make it work)
I'd need to google it again. https://superuser.com/questions/848512/seagate-expansion-desktop-drive-only-working-with-own-sata-usb-adapter

 

Do NOT get the 3TB seeagates tho.

[TechyBen]

SOME 2.5inch usb drives have usb 3.0 only connectors (I've got a couple), so just check if it has a SATA internally, or a soldered on usb3.0 socket before ripping it open. XD

[SupaKomputa]

10 minutes ago, Genwyn said:

Reddit says inside that one is a seagate barracuda. Just a normal drive.

If it’s cheaper than a 6TB barracuda then get it, shell it and use it as a normal drive.

Inside every external drive if it spins, 100% just a regular drive.

If not, i bet they have a Regular SSD tucked inside.

[TechyBen]

2 minutes ago, SupaKomputa said:

Inside every external drive if it spins, 100% just a regular drive.

If not, i bet they have a Regular SSD tucked inside.

Um no. I've got 2 (and had a few more) that were soldered on USB3.0 sockets ONLY. Read what others have posted.

[SupaKomputa]

1 minute ago, TechyBen said:

Um no. I've got 2 (and had a few more) that were soldered on USB3.0 sockets ONLY. Read what others have posted.

I read your post, i never seen one, google it no bueno, please share some pics, i genuinely want to know.

[TechyBen]

3 minutes ago, SupaKomputa said:

I read your post, i never seen one, google it no bueno, please share some pics, i genuinely want to know.

Huh? You accusing me of lying? See the posts above too for 3.5inch disks. Do the work yourself.

[SupaKomputa]

5 minutes ago, TechyBen said:

Huh? You accusing me of lying? See the posts above too for 3.5inch disks. Do the work yourself.

"2.5 inch usb3 only disk" nothing.

I'm not saying you're lying, why so sensitive?

[TechyBen]

8 minutes ago, SupaKomputa said:

"2.5 inch usb3 only disk" nothing.

I'm not saying you're lying, why so sensitive?

Nah. Just that your being pedantic and dumb. Many manufacturers do them:

https://www.instructables.com/id/Samsung-M3-Portable-HDD-REPAIR/

 

But yeah, there is no standard name for it AFAIK. USB 3.0 native 2.5inch disk boards, means you're only getting a usb connection on it, ever. 

 

PS, so all I mean is check first. Because tech is changing, and a lot are cost cutting/size scraping like Apple, and soldering on stuff/cutting features to stop users from self modding/part stripping.

https://www.reddit.com/r/computertechs/comments/1re9ow/be_advised_some_25_external_drive_boxes_now_come/

[Noah0302]

Thanks for the replies.

 

I'll just try and see how it goes

 

Update will follow!

[HanZie82]

On 10/21/2019 at 5:49 PM, SupaKomputa said:

Inside every external drive if it spins, 100% just a regular drive.

If not, i bet they have a Regular SSD tucked inside.

This was also the case when topic was new, just couldnt find the video.
 

TL:DR you need to mod them cheapo drives as they are disabled from running from PC PSU.

[LunaP0n3]

On 10/22/2019 at 1:34 AM, HanZie82 said:

but if you want to pop them out of their original enclosure and connect them to PC directly there might be some issues. (as in need to modify to make it work)

Most WD White Label drives from Easystores and My Books require the blocking of the 3.3V pin on the power site of the SATA connector or the use of a molex to SATA adapter.

Otherwise they don't show up to the system.

Had my 8 and 10TB drives do this.

[MintyCMS_]

You may also use an internal USB header to make it fully internal, like here: https://www.newegg.com/p/N82E16812423076?Description=internal usb header&cm_re=internal_usb_header-_-12-423-076-_-Product

[Criggles]

I have an external drive which is full of data, but I want to install it internally. Windows wants me to format the drive before I can use it this way, though.

 

Is there a work around for this? Or is using it externally the only way I can keep using it and not lose the data?