A hard drive case, also known as an external drive caddy, holds a hard drive outside a computer. Consider the type of connection, compatibility with the operating system, physical size of the drive, power source, and built-in fan when choosing one. User reviews can help with subjective aspects.
A hard drive case is an enclosure designed to hold a hard drive outside a computer. It is often known as an external drive caddy. The most common use of a hard drive case is to use a drive from an old computer in a new machine without needing to install it inside the machine.
The most important thing to consider when choosing a hard drive case is the type of connection. The easiest to use is the one with a USB connection, as it will work on almost any computer. A USB 2.0 connection will provide much faster speeds if you have a suitable plug on your computer. A FireWire connection, also known as an IEEE 1394 interface, is also a quick and easy connection, although many computers only have one suitable socket, if they have one. Some hard drive cases use a Serial ATA or SATA connection, although usually the appropriate sockets are located inside the computer itself, which drastically reduces convenience.
You should also check that the hard drive case is compatible with your operating system. In most cases, one designed for an older edition of an operating system will work with newer editions, often through a downloadable driver. With some low-cost models, a driver for the latest OS editions may not be available.
It’s also important to check that the case fits the physical size of the drive you plan to use. In most cases, a standard desktop computer drive measures 3.5 inches (8.89 centimeters) while a laptop or notebook drive is 2.5 inches (6.35 centimeters). The size refers to the width, although this only covers the drive itself, meaning the drives are four inches (10.16 centimeters) and 2.75 inches (6.99 centimeters) wide, respectively. The enclosure will be a little wider than this so that the unit fits snugly inside.
Another point to check is how the unit is powered. Most hard drives require more power than is available from the computer itself via a USB or similar connection. This means they’ll require a separate power cord, so you’ll want to make sure you have a spare outlet handy. If you’re choosing between several models, it might be worth comparing the specs of their respective power cords to see how common each is and therefore how expensive it might be to replace if necessary.
You may also want to check if the hard drive case has a built in fan. Otherwise, the drive may overheat, which could affect performance. If it does, the noise might be distracting. These aren’t points that can really be covered by objective specifications, so it might be worth checking user reviews.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
