external USB drive question

stoppage · May 3, 2014

Hi I have an external 3.5 Inch USB2.0 1TB WD "Elements" hard drive. My new mobo is USB3.0, so to upgrade hard disk to the same standard do I need a new enclosure or is it possible to get a USB3 logic board and fit it to the original enclosure? Obliged

abekl · May 3, 2014

you need a new enclosure. You can't just buy the controller.

DavidGP · May 3, 2014

Hi

Just to get this right, you still wish to use the External drive with your new Mobo? in that case then I would not worry as usb 2.0 is fine with USB3.0 mobos, may not be as quick in data transfer but the cost to benefit ratio of changing hardware is negligible.

gman863 · May 3, 2014

DavidGP is right. For standard tasks like backup or streaming recorded video, USB 2.0 is fine.

A word of warning: Before disassembling any external hard drive, I'd search "Brand/Model enclosure replacement" on the Internet. Some of the newer external drives do not have a standard SATA connection inside - it's a specially made drive with a proprietary connection that cannot be used in a standard enclosure.

Just Playin · May 3, 2014

In the future should you buy a new external drive, go USB3.0. For now though, your USB2.0 drive will be OK. There is no sense wasting your money and time switching out parts.

stoppage · May 3, 2014

gman863 said: ↑

DavidGP is right. For standard tasks like backup or streaming recorded video, USB 2.0 is fine.

A word of warning: Before disassembling any external hard drive, I'd search "Brand/Model enclosure replacement" on the Internet. Some of the newer external drives do not have a standard SATA connection inside - it's a specially made drive with a proprietary connection that cannot be used in a standard enclosure.
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Good tip. Thanks

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external USB drive question

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