I have a PC which I use as a server for playing backup copies of my DVD's on my home entertainment system. It has an 80Gb and a 350Gb hard disk already. I want to buy a 750Gb drive and simply add it in if possible. Anybody done this or would I be better to swap out one of the smaller drives. I'd rather keep the existing setup and connect the new drive up as well but it occurred to me that I have run out of ribbon cable connectors as I also have two DVD drives. Is it possible or advisable to buy an extension cable for a new drive for both data and power? Thanks.
2007-02-16 04:44:04 · 7 answers · asked by Graham B 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Add-ons
The suggestions that you've so far received with regards to connecting an external drive are sound. You could, of course, opt to purchase a PCI expansion card that comes with two IDE/ATA ports on them. These are usually used in a RAID array for backing up the data on existing drives, but you can safely use them to run further drives for data storage themselves.
I would ask you to ignore the response from bmanhappy016 as he obviously hasn't read what you said about your current setup. The data cables that he is talking about are for a SCSI system, where upto 7 hard drives can be connected on the same cable. IDE/ATA systems only allow for a maximum of two hard drives per cable.
You can buy an extension cable for the power from your PSU, but you must bear in mind that an extra hard drive will add to the load that this power supply unit must undertake. You may well be better off buying a PSU that has a higher maximum output. (I'd be looking in the region of 500-650 watts if I were you.)
2007-02-16 09:44:06 · answer #1 · answered by micksmixxx 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, this is possible. for both your questions, there are ribbons you can buy with upto 7 connections but, remember this puts more load on your motherboard and you may need to increase memory and/or chipsets. as for extensions, i would advise not, just buy a longer cord, try to stay away from bestbuy and comp usa, they only have certain brands and lengths for both ribbons and power cables. try a more specific store or a specialty shop. The geek squad is a great place to start because they can order outside of best buys range and get you what you need,
2007-02-16 12:56:08 · answer #2 · answered by bmanhappy016 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why noy have an external HDD, using your USB connector. No complicated changes or alterations.
2007-02-16 12:51:54 · answer #3 · answered by Frank Furillo 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Think you will have to take somthing out if your wanting to keep your other 2 hdd's it will have to be one of your dvd players
2007-02-16 12:51:31 · answer #4 · answered by dev12342002 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think the best is to get a external hard dirve. the advantage in this is its portable and you only need a usb connection. also you dont have to open your pc to fit one in.
2007-02-16 13:13:19 · answer #5 · answered by mfaiuk 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well you're out of IDE slots, so try either a USB or a SATA drive.
2007-02-16 12:54:14 · answer #6 · answered by cs_gmlynarczyk 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i bought an external hdd to back up all my stuff it just plugs into a usb port on your computer. it's just plug and play so away you go.
2007-02-16 12:57:35 · answer #7 · answered by ross f 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋