Fastest external self-powered?

Mercutio · 18 Jan 2010 at 08:02

Nice easy question. What's the quickest self-powered external? Would be looking in the 300-500GB range.

Edit: I kinda implied it by self powered (esata tend to want a USB power plug at least) but USB based please

invisible69 · 18 Jan 2010 at 08:04

Yeah I wish to buy an esata drive caddy which powers itself by USB like my current external hdd. If anyone knows of one it would be of great help

Mercutio · 18 Jan 2010 at 08:10

For what speed drive? As far as I know USB can only really power 5400rpm 2.5" or smaller and probably SSD's?

rpstewart · 18 Jan 2010 at 09:20

You'll be able to run any 2.5" HDD providing you have 2 USB ports available. If you only have one then that's going to be a bit tricky.

To be honest though there's no real point in going for all out speed when it's connected by USB, that'll be the limiting factor, not the drive. You can pick up a 320Gb WD Blue for £41 and a caddy for £15-20 depending on what's in stock.

rz30 · 18 Jan 2010 at 09:55

Actually the fastest drive would be a USB 3.0 drive like the WD mybook 3.0.

Edit, you wan't self powered(portable) though which the my book is not, needs an ac adapter.

Mercutio · 18 Jan 2010 at 16:51

Was generally looking at the WD passport or the freecom XXS but I guess caddy+drive could be an option.