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View Full Version : Recommend an external HDD

KeyserSoze
16-04-2006, 09:02
Looking at getting at least 250GB one.

Do these things have its own fans? Are they noisy? My PC is really silent, and having more noise would be annoying for me, especially when watching movies or listening to music.

Can you get ones which can be both powered from mains and the USB port?
Gerrard
16-04-2006, 09:59
http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/8840/buffalo2500nm.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

I have a Buffalo 250GB (model HB250) and it's so quiet I forget it's on.

In fact it designed to always be on as you can sync it I believe and auto-power down etc. I don't use any of those features though. And it's tiny (roughly 180mm high/deep)..

£77 when I bought it from Amazon but it's went up now so you'll have to shop around.

If you think you might need the extra 50GB then it's worth spending more now. My 250GB will do me for a very long time as my backups are around 100GB so I always have 2 rolling at a time.

Wouldn't leave home without it :D
MarcusBerry
16-04-2006, 10:01
I've been using the Buffalo 250Gb external since Christmas and have had no problems at all with it. Its a very quiet drive and access time is excellent - this ones powered off the mains.

Amazon.co.uk (http://www.thedvdforums.com/jump2.php?url=http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/redirect-home?tag=thedvdforums-21&site=dvd)

:thumbs:
Gerrard
16-04-2006, 10:02
Can you get ones which can be both powered from mains and the USB port?Not over 40GB I'd imagine.


Do these things have its own fans? If mine has one it's very quiet. It says it has a heatsink body which may mean it has no fan.
philbw
16-04-2006, 10:50
Another recommendation for the Buffalo right here - I have a 160Gb version and a 250Gb version, both are very quiet and the auto-on/power down facility is great
JonNuttNTL
16-04-2006, 11:02
Hi,

I went for a different approach for External storage. I brought my own caddy and HDD separately so it was a) cheap b) upgradeable and c) media swappable.

Got my setup 2 discs combined 200Gb and caddy for approx £50

Jon.
redrabbit
16-04-2006, 11:03
Pc world, 350GB Toshiba only 109.99
kiran_mk2
16-04-2006, 15:16
The PCWorld is 320gig.

Also saw on TomsHardware the other week an HDD enclosure that can be powered off just a usb port by storing power like a UPS.
Ono
16-04-2006, 15:28
The Buffalo hums when it is on and drives me crazy. Better than a fan I suppose and OK as I don't have it turned on all the time.
KeyserSoze
16-04-2006, 20:38
Cheers guys, think i might go for that Toshiba, id be interested to know if anyone has one. Does it have that auto power on and off thing?
GreyJackal
16-04-2006, 21:00
Another vote for Buffalo - I've got a couple of TeraStations and you certainly can't hear them. Assuming the quality of build and interface is consistent down the product line, I'd have no hesitation in recommending them.
KeyserSoze
17-04-2006, 13:52
Can you reserve a drive letter for the external HDD?

Lets say i dont want to turn it on all the time, but ill be storing music on it which will have linked locations to iTunes. Is it safe?
Ali X
17-04-2006, 14:39
http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/8840/buffalo2500nm.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

I have a Buffalo 250GB (model HB250) and it's so quiet I forget it's on.

In fact it designed to always be on as you can sync it I believe and auto-power down etc. I don't use any of those features though. And it's tiny (roughly 180mm high/deep)..

£77 when I bought it from Amazon but it's went up now so you'll have to shop around.

If you think you might need the extra 50GB then it's worth spending more now. My 250GB will do me for a very long time as my backups are around 100GB so I always have 2 rolling at a time.

Wouldn't leave home without it :D


any buying links for this
Hgm04
17-04-2006, 14:42
Amazon.co.uk (http://www.thedvdforums.com/jump2.php?url=http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0007R6CGC/thedvdforums-21)
Gerrard
17-04-2006, 15:55
Although that price has went up on the Buffalo it's still the lowest around. Make sure you pick free shipping.

The original thread on the drive is here (http://www.thedvdforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=369942&highlight=buffalo) A lot to get through but worth the read.
DVDWotcha
17-04-2006, 17:59
I've got a Lacie. Very good drive and quiet. 800mbps Firewire if you've got the right port. They do larger sizes too 500Gb etc. (mines a 250).

http://www.lacie.com/uk/

They also do SATA externals if you've got an external SATA port.
KeyserSoze
13-05-2006, 07:31
OK im going to be ordering one nest week definately, just wondering if anyone has spotted any good deals recently.

If not, ill just buy the Buffalo.
Pummra
13-05-2006, 11:03
I was looking at getting on of these recently. Same size as the Buffalo, cheaper, got the auto power-up and down thingy and slightly cheaper. I think the unit looks nicer too.

http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/P/B000EXZAOY.02.LZZZZZZZ.jpg

Amazon.co.uk (http://www.thedvdforums.com/jump2.php?url=http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000EXZAOY/thedvdforums-21)