Hardware back up question: USB vs firwire

[vwcrusher]

Just about run out of space on internal drives for primary and back up. Got to buy an external drive (~250GB); my PC (Sony Vaio) has both USB 2.0 and Firewire - is there any advantage/disadvantage of one over the other?

thanks

[GeorgeW]

when I have to move large files, I've noticed that firewire-a is faster than USB2 (even though USB2 has a higher burst rate of 480mbps vs. firewire-a's 400mbps).

I would recommend a 5.25" drive kit that has both types of connections, and then put whatever HD you want into it (the reason for the 5.25" is so you have the option down the road of putting in a dvd burner if you want).

[waheed]

Firewire does operate at faster speeds compared to USB2. Firewire is also more efficient than USB2.

[Gurm]

USB (and USB2) are TEH SUKC.

No, seriously - USB is a vast improvement over old Serial busses, but it's poop compared to firewire.

[vwcrusher]

Much thanks for the advise....firewire it is!

[Bodyslide]

I would buy an external enclosure that has both USB2 and Firewire. Then get a huge HD for it.

[vwcrusher]

Really?

Suggestions where and what to get......

Am I correct in assuming its Firewire? Firewire is IEEE 1394, yes? - at least I think its firewire; it has two different connectors (4 and 6 pin).

thanks

[Soopafresh]

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=17-173-006&depa=0

or

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=17-173-003&depa=0


There are others. I like aluminum enclosures, as they are good at drawing the heat away from the drive.

[Bodyslide]

I have the first one in Soop's post no issues.

[vwcrusher]

Thanks Soopafresh,

So all I need after one of these enclosures is a typical internal HDD?

[Bodyslide]

Correct, and about 15 minutes to hook it all up. Make sure what the maximum size the enclosure will hold.

[vwcrusher]

Bodyslide,

Thanks, but just to be sure, the 4 and 6 pin connectors Sony calls iLink is really firewire, yes?

[Snakebyte1]

Hi...

I use external enclosures with USB and Firewire and love it. I have one for a DVD burner and one for a typical IDE 60GB hard drive.

Having both USB and Firewire connections allow me to connect it to other systems that do not have a Firewire port. Getting the "combo" model is only about $10 more.

If you just want to put a hard drive in, you can get a 3.5" enclosure, its a bit smaller. If you want the ability to put in a DVD-Burner you'll need 5.25" unit. Some come with a 3.5" kit that allows you to put in a hard drive into the 5.25" enclosure.

Just a couple of things I'd like to mention:

1. Avoid the no-name, super-cheapo ones, the electronics in them are crap and you won't get the transfer speeds you'd expect.

2. Some come with fans and some don't. I'd go with the one with the fan to keep your drive running cooler.


D.

[Soopafresh]

Bodyslide, I have only installed the second one for clients. Does the 5.25 have the grill in front ? Also, for a 3.5" drive, you'll probably need a pair of 3.5 to 5.25 slide rails (whatever they're called).

Any of those units will handle a NON SATA hard drive. Do NOT get a SATA drive. The older IDE ATA drives will work, such as this one: http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=22-148-062&depa=1

At the moment, it seems like people have been having the best reliability with the Seagate brand of drives.


ILink, 1394, Firewire - all the same thing.

[Snakebyte1]

Hi...

Some 5.25" enclosures come with a front grill, some don't. The ones that have a front grill usually also come with the hardware needed to install a 3.5" hard drive.

vwcrusher
Yes, Sony iLink, FireWire and IEEE 1394 - its all the same thing.

D.

[vwcrusher]

Guys,

Can't thank you enough
Really appreciate the support.

I will go for the 3.5" enclosure as the PC already has a DVD burner and CDROM, and the Seagate drive suggested. Didn't see if the enclosure come with any cables; for data does the quality of the firewire cable matter?

[Snakebyte1]

Hey!

The enclosure kit should come with all the cables you need.

I've always just used the cables that came with the stuff and never had any problems (until I wheeled the chair over the end of one )

D.

[Bodyslide]

I have a DVD-RW in mine. It doesn't come with any kind of grill. I also have another external that is similar to the second link.