How to convert a SATA HDD to USB external HDD?

Question

I’ve recovered a 500 GB SATA HDD from a non working PC. I want to transfer all data in to my laptop (via USB). I’ve heard some kind of 2.5”/3.5” HDD enclosure case. But not sure what are those for. If those are the device I need then which one I need to buy 2.5” or 3.5”??

Answer 1

You should be able to find out what form factor (2.5" or 3.5") your HDD is.



Or, you could use a dock instead: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812156102

Answer 2

1



Before you buy an external USB hard drive enclosure for your SATA hard drive, acquire the data transfer rate of the SATA drive. Buy a hard drive enclosure that supports the transfer rate of the hard drive. For example, if the external USB hard drive enclosure supports a transfer rate of up to 960 mbps and the hard drive has a data transfer rate of 1260 mbps, the SATA drive might not function properly because some of the functions will be blocked or slowed down.

2



Take the hard drive cage out of the external hard drive enclosure. Connect the SATA cable from the hard drive enclosure to the SATA port on the back of the SATA drive. Now connect the 4-pin power connector to the back of the hard drive.

3



Fit the hard drive into the hard drive cage and then slide it into the external hard drive enclosure. Close the hard drive enclosure. Attach the USB cable from the hard drive enclosure to the USB port on your computer; it does not matter whether you attach the USB cable while the computer is off or on. Let the computer recognize the new hardware. Test the connection of the hard drive by transferring some files back and forth from the external hard drive and the main hard drive on your computer.





Read more: How to Convert Sata to USB External Drive | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_5821131_convert-sata-usb-external-drive.html#ixzz1tWgSoa96

Answer 3

Before you buy an external USB hard drive enclosure for your SATA hard drive, acquire the data transfer rate of the SATA drive. Buy a hard drive enclosure that supports the transfer rate of the hard drive. For example, if the external USB hard drive enclosure supports a transfer rate of up to 960 mbps and the hard drive has a data transfer rate of 1260 mbps, the SATA drive might not function properly because some of the functions will be blocked or slowed down.

2



Take the hard drive cage out of the external hard drive enclosure. Connect the SATA cable from the hard drive enclosure to the SATA port on the back of the SATA drive. Now connect the 4-pin power connector to the back of the hard drive.

3



Fit the hard drive into the hard drive cage and then slide it into the external hard drive enclosure. Close the hard drive enclosure. Attach the USB cable from the hard drive enclosure to the USB port on your computer; it does not matter whether you attach the USB cable while the computer is off or on. Let the computer recognize the new hardware. Test the connection of the hard drive by transferring some files back and forth from the external hard drive and the main hard drive on your computer.



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Read more: How to Convert Sata to USB External Drive | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_5821131_convert-sata-usb-external-drive.html#ixzz1tWehySnF

Answer 4

Thinking something like what is at the first link below will be what you need. Appears it can deal with any size hard drive and either Sata or IDE. Can not really be sure of the size of the 500GB hard drive. If it is in a laptop most definitely a 2.5". A desktop can go either way. Most likely a 3.5" one but they could have put in a 2.5" one and used an adapter. See the second link so you know what the adapter might look like. Hope this helps. Good Luck.



http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=774365&Q=&is=REG&A=details



http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=723570&Q=&is=REG&A=details

Answer 5

no idea