replacing standard HDD with external? + my planned build.

99887 · **Posted:** November 20th, 2011, 9:08 pm

I have a 500Gb External HDD with a USB 3.0 interface, and was wondering if it's possible for that to be used instead of an internal Hard-drive.

Spoiler for Details:

On a side note, this is my planned build.

I would love feedback/help. And i hope i haven't missed anything vital (don't need monitor)

Adbot · **Posted:** November 20th, 2011, 9:08 pm

Evelyn · **Posted:** November 20th, 2011, 9:18 pm

You will still need an internal HDD for your operating system.

Pfkninenines · Global Moderator 12/4/08

You could theoretically run the HDD off of USB 3.0, but it will likely be slower than an internal drive. If you just don't want to buy another drive (can't blame you with the prices right now), pop the HDD out and use that inside of your case via SATA instead.

Build looks good, and that's a nice processor. It's what I had for a few months before swapping out to the 1090t.. Very good price:performance. I'd assume you'll overclock since you're getting a nice board, and with that processor it's easy to hit 3.8Ghz on slightly above stock voltages, and it'll peak ~4.1 if you bump the voltages up. I'd also throw in a Hyper212+ or similar heatsink+fan combo, as the stock heatsink isn't too fantastic for low noise + higher performance situations.

99887 · **Posted:** November 21st, 2011, 1:42 am

The external I have is just a 2.5" with a usb interface, so there isn't any chance of SATA connection (i think?)

I guess i might just have to borrow money from my parents for the HDD.

The case i chose comes with pretty sweet cooling, so i think i should be fine at the start.
After i start earning some money ill get an SSD, gaming mouse, more ram, cooler as you^ suggested for overclocking and another 8gb of ram

Edit:
I think I'll get a 60GB SSD now, since they haven't had a huge price rise recently, and im used to working worth 30gb, so 60 should be fine for now.
Then when prices for HDD's settle down ill add one in and then i can start going crazy with what i have on my pc.

Edit²:
My case only has 3.5" internal bays. Would it work just placing a 2.5" SSD in there? Nevermind! racks comes with 2.5" installation space

Pfkninenines · Global Moderator 12/4/08

99887 wrote:

The external I have is just a 2.5" with a usb interface, so there isn't any chance of SATA connection (i think?)

Nope, as long as you can get the HDD out of the enclosure, it is likely going to be a SATA interface (unless it was made many years ago, in which case it'd be IDE). For laptop drives (2.5") it'd be the same connections as a desktop, so you'd need power + a SATA cable and you'll be set.