What can i do with this old hard drive?

[FrankFamily]

I've this drive: "WD2500JB caviar SE" like this one

it's from an old computer and i'd like to connect it to my new pc externally though usb (2.0 or 3.0)

 

I've read of enclosures and those things but it must be a really cheap way, because there are new external drives with similar or better specs for arround $55.33, example

 

also there are much bigger drives for not so much: like this one

 

I don't having it a bit exposed as long as it doesn't get damaged, so an adapter may be enough if it works right, would the usb give enough power?

 

So, what's the best way to connect it and the cheaper the better.

 

Thanks in advance.

Edited December 11, 2012 by FrankFamily

[Oubliette]

An external drive enclosure should run you less than $10. I'd just go with that.

[FrankFamily]

could someone recommend an external enclosure or what exactly do i have to look for, i mean those ATA, IDE things, or every enclosure should work?

[FrankFamily]

would this work link?

 

or this: link2

 

better the first as it's my country's amazon.

[prandiningrat]

all adapters in the links will work perfectly, however in my experience, you should consider to get better power for the adapter, thats only the cons for using IDE to USB adapter, imo. :thumbsup:

[FrankFamily]

Thanks :)

 

edit:

 

"Intelligence is like an underwear. It is important that you have it, but not necessary that you show it off."

 

100% true.

Edited December 13, 2012 by FrankFamily

[Vecna6667]

How about this drive enclosure:

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817707192

 

An internship I did had one of these enclosures that we would use clone disks to if we had multiple computers to clone. Not only does it have an IDE connection, it also has SATA so that future drives can be used and it also works with laptop hard drives. Our experience with it had been really good, but do see if you can get rewiews on other sites.

[Vagrant0]

The advantage of an enclosure over just an external drive lies in being able to hook up just about any other harddrive you have with that enclosure as long as the connection is the right type. Meaning that if your computer craps out and your enclosure has the same connection as your harddrives, you can use that enclosure to be able to still access any files or programs you had on those harddrives in order to either solve the problem, or tide you over till you can get things fixed.