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Can an external HD be used as my primary HD?

External HD moved to internal bay but not working. Used IDE to SATA adapter.

  • Hi Folks, I think I'm misunderstanding something; I got my hands on a Seagate hard drive that was an internal hard drive but then removed and placed into a USB 2.0 External Enclosure. So, because the hard drive in question has an IDE connection. I ordered a "IDE to SATA adapter, hooked it up in my computer. The Drive Manager doesn't see it. I tried a Jumper, (Master position) but still no. I'm guessing it's a bad adapter but is there something I'm over looking? Word limit makes it hard to expln

  • Answer:

    so, what was the need of buying/using a IDE - SATA adapter? why not just leave the drive in the external USB enclosure?

Rich53 at Amazon Askville Visit the source

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The point of moving it into the computer and using an adptor so that I can connect it to my SATA ports on my MOBO, is because it will read at 80mbps instaed of the 28 to 30mbps. But if you know any other reason why my disk manager doesn't see the drive, please let me know. I have Windows 7 64bit, and the drive that WAS initially in a computer, (older one), is a SEAGATE 'Ultra ATA', (same as a PATA). Do you see what I'm talking about now? Thanks

Rich53

have you tried the 'cable select' option on the Drive jumper settings? other than that, not really sure what to suggest. I'm guessing that your motherboard does not have an available PATA port?

jacle2270

Thanks jacle, No, I didn't try the 'cable select' jumper position. I tried Master and I started with no jumper at all. From the way I understood it, the Cable position was for older mobos/computers. I have an ASUS m5A97 EVO Pro and no, I don't have a PATA port. I will say that I had to stand the HD on its end with the adapter pointing upward because the Corsair 500R case I have mounts the 3.5" hd bays sideways in the case, (don't ask me why). So I was careful to make sure that I didn't over secure, (tighten), the HD when I strapped it in place with a couple of 'mini bungee' cords. I know I didn't tighten it enough to 'pinch' the disk or reader arm. Even though I doubt very much that the HD cares how it is stood up in the case, (flat down, on its side, or on its end), I suppose that may be possible. I can't try the 'cable' jumper position now because I've returned the adapter and ordered a different one that may be here in about 5 days or so. If it also fails, I'll try the Cable position suggestion. At this point I have to guess that it was a bad adapter. The HD works fine and is running right now when I have it in the encloure. Thanks for the suggestions and I'll leave an update when that other adapter comes in. They all seem to install the same way and that makes the HD to long for proper mounting in the case.

Rich53

great, hopefully it's just a bum SATA adapter.

jacle2270

Yes, well I don't NEED to have the HD in the computer. And it still works fine in the enclosure. I just won't have 80+ mbps with it. I'll stick in an update when the replacement comes just as an FYI. Thanks again

Rich53

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