Advice on a SATA to USB adapter

[Orbit Storm]

I'm currently trying to recover data from a hard drive from a system that has a dead motherboard before I replace the dead motherboard and inevitably reinstall Windows. After some digging, I've read about SATA to USB adapters that will let me hook up my hard drive to another computer and access the files on that drive like I would an external drive, so that I can backup whatever files I want/need.

I'm not certain what device I should be looking for specifically and noticed the price ranges anywhere from $5 to $40. Are there any cheaper adapters that will get the job done? Which one should I be going for?

For what it's worth, this is the hard drive I currently have:
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822149380

Thanks!

 

[SkyNetRising]

You can hook up the drive to a computer with regular sata cables (data + power).
USB adapter is necessary only, if you're trying to connect the drive to a laptop, that has no available sata ports.

 

[dark_lord69]

The drive you have doesn't matter.
Generally all USB to SATA adapters work the same. Grab one with the lowest price.

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812119874&cm_re=SATA_to_USB-_-12-119-874-_-Product

Skynet makes a good point. You can just connect the hard drive to a different computer using a normal SATA connection. If you only have a laptop available then the adapter would likely be needed.

 

[Orbit Storm]

You can hook up the drive to a computer with regular sata cables (data + power).
USB adapter is necessary only, if you're trying to connect the drive to a laptop, that has no available sata ports.

That's my fault, I should have clarified. Yes: I'm connecting the drive to a laptop.

 

[Orbit Storm]

The drive you have doesn't matter.
Generally all USB to SATA adapters work the same. Grab one with the lowest price.

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812119874&cm_re=SATA_to_USB-_-12-119-874-_-Product

Skynet makes a good point. You can just connect the hard drive to a different computer using a normal SATA connection. If you only have a laptop available that's a different story.

How does this thing even work? Do I just unplug all cables from my hard drive, attach this adapter to the drive and the laptop and I access the drive as I would any other external drive? Doesn't it need power of some kind?

 

[faalin]

This is probably one of the best things ive ever bought for a computer https://www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters-Standalone-Thunderbolt-Compatible/dp/B015EOK8DK/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1502372048&sr=1-2&keywords=Cable+Matters+USB+3.0+Dual+SATA+Hard+Drive+Docking+Station

its hot swap so while its plugged into your computer you can just shove a drive in and it will see it. also makes cloning dive to drive very easy.

 

[dark_lord69]

"How does this thing even work?"
Like magic

"Do I just unplug all cables from my hard drive, attach this adapter to the drive and the laptop and I access the drive as I would any other external drive?"
Yep, it's that simple

"Doesn't it need power of some kind?"
There are different models. If you have USB 3.0 it can use the power from the usb port to power your hard drive. IF you only have USB 2.0 then you'll need one that has a power source.

This one has a power source and will connect the multiple types of hard drives (but USB 2.0 [slower]):
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812156102

 

[ArtPog]

Now listen carefully...

You can use one of those SATA-to-USB adapters you've been hearing about. HOWEVER...since you will be working with a 3.5" HDD you need an adapter that comes equipped with a A/C power adapter, capiche?

Here's one that you could utilize...https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Portable-Adapter-Cable-Power/dp/B005B3VO24

There are plenty of other similar type adapters available. Peruse the offerings of Amazon & Newegg and do a Google search.

(If you were working with a 2.5" SSD for example the auxiliary power would be unnecessary since the USB port the drive is connected to through the adapter would provide sufficient power to the 2.5" drive.)

You've indicated you have found these adapters to cost "...anywhere from $5 to $40". And then you inquire whether there are "cheaper adapters". Cheaper than $5?