Best way to access an IDE hard disk externally

titaniumx3 · 29 Dec 2011 at 15:20

I have a 250gb IDE hard disk which I can no longer access since my current motherboard has no IDE ports on it. I've seen loads of IDE enclosures and adpators, but they seem a little too expensive for what I need.

There's loads of these very cheap USB adaptors (around £5 - 10) on popular auction sites but they look a little dodgy? Has anyone had any experience with these adaptors? I don't want anything fancy, just enough to transfer data on and off the drive, but don't want to damage it in the process.

panyan · 29 Dec 2011 at 15:26

ide to sata converter -> put internally

durbs · 29 Dec 2011 at 15:40

I'd just use a mates or family members pc to get the data off it onto a USB disk. I looked at these converters myself recently after inadvertently picking up an IDE cd writer. Most of them looked too ropey to trust and the few that looked ok were much more than I actually paid for the writer.

Saying that though, can't see a USB to IDE adapter goosing your disk so worth a try for a few quid. As I said though, I personally didn't want the internal sata to IDE ones I'd seen on the bay in my pc.

Idleman · 29 Dec 2011 at 15:51

You could always try looking for a USB 2.0 to SATA IDE Cable ATA Converter Adapter for Hard Drive 2.5" and 3.5".

Muel · 29 Dec 2011 at 16:08

I have one of those IDE to USB kits, cost about £7 from eBay 3-4 years ago, works perfectly. Using it now actually!