SSD - Do I need an enclosure?

EvilRob · 19 Oct 2013 at 01:25

Work has given me an internal SSD that I need to use as an external SSD. I've just grabbed a SATA to eSATAp cable, and it works fine.

Do I risk damaging the SSD in some way if I don't buy an enclosure for it? OK, it doesn't have working parts, so it shouldn't be vulnerable to shocks etc. But how about exposure to static electricity for example? Could it be a problem?

The SSD is as an Intel 520 480GB.

Bonus: Can anybody recommend a 2.5 inch SSD enclosure?

Thanks!

Snapshot · 19 Oct 2013 at 07:08

Static is definitely a risk and you really should protect your SSD. I like the Akasa Lokstor X21 enclosure as it's solidly mad and has both eSATA & USB3 ports. OcUK don't stock it so you'll have to go elsewhere.

Dervious · 19 Oct 2013 at 10:49

I doubt that using an enclosure would provide much in the way of protection against static. *

I`ve never realy though about it before, but I suppose there is a risk of static damage when you plug an SSD (or a HDD for that matter) into an eSATA or USB port. I suspect that drive manufacturers "build in" a certain amount of static protection, but maybe not enough to protect against "human wearing certain shoes and walking on certain floor coverings" !

* Having thought about it a bit more, it may help to prevent static damage, depending on how tthe enclosure is designed.

jeffa123 · 19 Oct 2013 at 12:49

I bought a couple of ICY Dock SSD & SATA enclosures. They are 2.5 to 3.5 and not only protect and cool the drives but also allow you to slide your SSD's into so-called Screwless 3.5 inch bays with no issues. I use a Zalman Z11 Plus Case and it has everything localised so I have 3 SSD's with one mechanical drive in the case. Only one of my SSD's are 3.5 inch which doesn't require an enclosure but it is still mounted on rubber and protected and of course vented.