USB reliable enough for heavy transfers?

NachT · 7 Apr 2007 at 00:26

I was looking at getting an Icy Box with a 500GB drive in, for backing up my system and other things.

What I would like to know is, would transfering data constantly over USB for about 4 - 6 hours be reliable? Would it be possible for certain data to get corrupt or anything?

I was thinking about getting an e-sata drive, but the one I like the looks of only comes in USB. The slow transfer isn't a problem for me as I could just do it overnight or while I'm at work.

Thought?!

Also, what hard disk would be the most reliable to use? I was thinking the western digital 500gig, I've never had a problem with WD before. And the drive will be getting written to for long 4 - 6 hours at a time ( slow transfer though. )

NachT · 8 Apr 2007 at 21:49

I've only got 2 USB devices that are constantly in-use ( mouse / keyboard )

External hard disk is switched off most of the time.

Oh by the way!!

I don't need to buy a new external hard disk anymore, I fixed a problem I was having with my current one. I'll explain incase anyone els has this problem.

I have a Maxtor One Touch III , the 320GB version. And was trying to use it with Vista. If you have problems with this drive and vista, you need to disable your password / security on the drive ( using another machine with XP on it ) then you can use it with vista!

While i'm here I may aswell ask, whats the transfer speeds for USB2.0 and the 2 different Fire Wire's? I thought USB2 was the fastest out of the 3 :eek:

NachT · 9 Apr 2007 at 00:18

Thanks for that

* switche's USB lead over to FireWire *

NachT · 9 Apr 2007 at 01:00

Swaped the wire from USB2.0 to FireWire 400.

USB2.0

FireWire 400

NachT · 9 Apr 2007 at 10:31

lol, somthing must be up with my USB config or somthing! :eek:

I have a wireless mouse, and there's always a battery being charged in the dock - thats run of USB, aswell as my keyboard. I don't know if that would have effected the speed tho.