Internal HDD as a External Drive [For Backup]

[boarnoah]

Hello,

Motherboard:
http://www.nvidia.com/object/mcp_intel_techspecs.html <= One with the Nvidia 7100

I have a small form factor pc with data that I want to backup. It has a Nvidia nforce 630i motherboard, (which has eSATA - confirmed). I looked around and I have decided that a internal 1TB drive would be better choice than a pricier external one.

However, I do not have space in the case for inserting the HDD. Therefore, I was thinking of using a eSATA to SATA converter cable and plugging in the HDD to it, and keeping the physical HDD outside the case (on a wooden/plastic surface). The drive will only be connected for backups purposes, I plan to store it (safely) away from the case.

Is this even possible? Also what about power for the hard drive, would I need another SATA from the PSU to the hard disk to give it power (its a generic PSU, and I don't believe it has SATA outlets) or would I have to use a IDE cable (from the DVD drive) to give it power? Also I'm guessing converting from eSATA to regular SATA would make it unable to power the HDD through the motherboard?

My current choices of HDDs (Bare drives without cables) are :
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152379
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136769
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148767

And for a cable I my eye on:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812123163

Would such a setup work? I would really not buy a external hdd (especially a USB one) as prices and speed are not what I really want.

PS: Also any other important bits (cables, requirements) that are needed to get the HDD working (I can format to allow file transfer)?

Thanks,
Boarnoah

 

[scout_03]

you could use something like this and put a sata drive inside and plug it as a externel esata drive this case have it own power ,i use something similar work good . http://www.newegg.com/Product/Productcompare.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100006670%2040000092&IsNodeId=1&Description=external%20drive%20case&page=3&bop=And&CompareItemList=92|17-816-011^17-816-011-TS%2C17-145-167^17-145-167-TS%2C17-392-009^17-392-009-TS

 

[boarnoah]

Thanks! I think I'll go with one of those.

So I am looking at (enclosure):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=17-816-011&SortField=0&SummaryType=0&Pagesize=100&PurchaseMark=&SelectedRating=-1&VideoOnlyMark=False&VendorMark=&IsFeedbackTab=true&Keywords=%28keywords%29#scrollFullInfo

And the (HDD):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152379

Slight concern, is that the enclosure under Max Capacity per bay lists 1Tb, while down below it says "Suitable for 3.5" SATA (Serial ATA) Hard Drive up to 750GB.(any brand)". Would this work with the specified hard drive? Rather not spend too much on the more expensive enclosures.

Thanks!

 

[fzabkar]

I can't see how 750GB can be a valid capacity limit.

If the USB bridge firmware has a 31-bit LBA limit, then 1TiB would be the maximum capacity. If the limit is 32-bit LBA, then 2TiB would be the maximum capacity.

If you are connecting via eSATA, then I would think that the limit would be determined by your computer's BIOS or OS, not by the enclosure.

Sounds like lousy documentation to me ...

 

[boarnoah]

I don't believe I would face a OS restriction. So yes, I suppose such a setup would then work. Thanks!

 

[boarnoah]

Best answer selected by boarnoah.