"Permanently" Connecting A Drive Externally To A USB Port


Caxtin

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Microsoft Windows 11 Pro 64-bit 22631 Multiprocessor Free
Looking to purchase a new computer desktop. The one I really like comes with one main drive, and can only be attached one other drive to it.

In my current desktop, I have three drives (1 OS and 2 others for my data), that's total of 3.
If I purchase the new one am interested in, can I externally connected a drive, a with the SATA cable to a USB 3.0 port, and leave the drive on the floor, on top of the desktop, or even duct tape it on it's side.

What would be the significant difference between internally and externally connected hard drives?

Cheers
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Microsoft Windows 11 Pro 64-bit 22631 Multiprocessor Free
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell. Precision Tower 5810
    CPU
    Intel(R) Xeon(R) CPU E5-1607 v3 @ 3.10GHz
    Motherboard
    Dell Inc. Base Board. 0K240Y
    Memory
    Total: 16.00 GB Usable: 15.92 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA Quadro K2200. Quadro K2200.
    Sound Card
    Sound Blaster Audigy Fx. NVIDIA High Definition Audio - Integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell Monitors SE2417HG
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    1TB ATA CT1000BX500SSD1 SCSI Disk Device
    2TB ATA ST2000DM008-2FR1 SCSI Disk Device
    2TB ATA ST31500341AS SCSI Disk Device
    Keyboard
    Dell Keyboard
    Mouse
    Vertical Wireless Mouse - 2.4GHz Optical Vertical Mice : 3 Adjustable DPI 800/1200/1600 Levels
    Internet Speed
    945 Mbs (Down) 32 Mbs (Up)
    Browser
    Google Chrome. Firefox. Opera.
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    TP-Link Gigabit PCI Express Adapter (Ethernet 802.3)
    Sophos TAP Adapter Provider (Ethernet 802.3)
  • Operating System
    Microsoft Windows 11 Home 64-bit. 22631 Multiprocessor Free
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 15-3530
    CPU
    13th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-1355U
    Motherboard
    Dell Inc. 0122F5
    Memory
    Total Memory: 16.00 GB Usable Memory: 15.69 GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel(R) Iris(R) Xe Graphics
    Sound Card
    (1) Intel® Smart Sound Technology for Bluetooth® Audio (2) Intel® Smart Sound Technology for USB Audio (3) Realtek Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Integrated
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    NVMe PC SN740 NVMe WD 512GB
    PSU
    Integrated
    Mouse
    Integrated
    Keyboard
    Integrated
    Internet Speed
    143 Mbs Down / 43 Mbs Up
    Browser
    Google Chrome . Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Looking to purchase a new computer desktop. The one I really like comes with one main drive, and can only be attached one other drive to it.
What PC desktop is it?
Do you mean laptop?
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 Build 22631.5039
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Sin-built
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4770K CPU @ 3.50GHz (4th Gen?)
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus VI Formula
    Memory
    32.0 GB of I forget and the box is in storage.
    Graphics Card(s)
    Gigabyte nVidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super OC 6GB
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    5 x LG 25MS500-B - 1 x 24MK430H-B - 1 x Wacom Pro 22" Tablet
    Screen Resolution
    All over the place
    Hard Drives
    Too many to list.
    OS on Samsung 1TB 870 QVO SATA
    PSU
    Silverstone 1500
    Case
    NZXT Phantom 820 Full-Tower Case
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D15 Elite Class Dual Tower CPU Cooler / 6 x EziDIY 120mm / 2 x Corsair 140mm somethings / 1 x 140mm Thermaltake something / 2 x 200mm Corsair.
    Keyboard
    Corsair K95 / Logitech diNovo Edge Wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech: G402 / G502 / Mx Masters / MX Air Cordless
    Internet Speed
    1000/400Mbps
    Browser
    All sorts
    Antivirus
    Kaspersky Premium
    Other Info
    I’m on a horse.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 Build: 22631.4249
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    LENOVO Yoga 7i EVO OLED 14" Touchscreen i5 12 Core 16GB/512GB
    CPU
    Intel Core 12th Gen i5-1240P Processor (1.7 - 4.4GHz)
    Memory
    16GB LPDDR5 RAM
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Iris Xe Graphics Processor
    Sound Card
    Optimized with Dolby Atmos®
    Screen Resolution
    QHD 2880 x 1800 OLED
    Hard Drives
    M.2 512GB
    Antivirus
    Defender / Malwarebytes
    Other Info
    …still on a horse.
I'd be curious what this new computer you like is? I ask because unless it's a small form factor type PC there should be room from more than 2 drives. Some Dells may or may not be compatible with multiple drives.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 7/10/11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Other Info
    I'm a computer enthusiast so have quite a few systems that I run. More like an advanced hobby.

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Microsoft Windows 11 Pro 64-bit 22631 Multiprocessor Free
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell. Precision Tower 5810
    CPU
    Intel(R) Xeon(R) CPU E5-1607 v3 @ 3.10GHz
    Motherboard
    Dell Inc. Base Board. 0K240Y
    Memory
    Total: 16.00 GB Usable: 15.92 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA Quadro K2200. Quadro K2200.
    Sound Card
    Sound Blaster Audigy Fx. NVIDIA High Definition Audio - Integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell Monitors SE2417HG
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    1TB ATA CT1000BX500SSD1 SCSI Disk Device
    2TB ATA ST2000DM008-2FR1 SCSI Disk Device
    2TB ATA ST31500341AS SCSI Disk Device
    Keyboard
    Dell Keyboard
    Mouse
    Vertical Wireless Mouse - 2.4GHz Optical Vertical Mice : 3 Adjustable DPI 800/1200/1600 Levels
    Internet Speed
    945 Mbs (Down) 32 Mbs (Up)
    Browser
    Google Chrome. Firefox. Opera.
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    TP-Link Gigabit PCI Express Adapter (Ethernet 802.3)
    Sophos TAP Adapter Provider (Ethernet 802.3)
  • Operating System
    Microsoft Windows 11 Home 64-bit. 22631 Multiprocessor Free
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 15-3530
    CPU
    13th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-1355U
    Motherboard
    Dell Inc. 0122F5
    Memory
    Total Memory: 16.00 GB Usable Memory: 15.69 GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel(R) Iris(R) Xe Graphics
    Sound Card
    (1) Intel® Smart Sound Technology for Bluetooth® Audio (2) Intel® Smart Sound Technology for USB Audio (3) Realtek Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Integrated
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    NVMe PC SN740 NVMe WD 512GB
    PSU
    Integrated
    Mouse
    Integrated
    Keyboard
    Integrated
    Internet Speed
    143 Mbs Down / 43 Mbs Up
    Browser
    Google Chrome . Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
I'd be curious what this new computer you like is? I ask because unless it's a small form factor type PC there should be room from more than 2 drives. Some Dells may or may not be compatible with multiple drives.
Dell specifically told me it can ONLY take an extra drive; I think because of it's size. He mentioned there's not port for a third drive. Am still looking into other DELL's systems. Am still trying to make up my mind on which to get. For my question, it should not really mater what type of desktop it is.

So, back to my question, say for a desktop computer, what would be the difference between an internal drive and one I connected externally to a 3.0 USB?
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Microsoft Windows 11 Pro 64-bit 22631 Multiprocessor Free
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell. Precision Tower 5810
    CPU
    Intel(R) Xeon(R) CPU E5-1607 v3 @ 3.10GHz
    Motherboard
    Dell Inc. Base Board. 0K240Y
    Memory
    Total: 16.00 GB Usable: 15.92 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA Quadro K2200. Quadro K2200.
    Sound Card
    Sound Blaster Audigy Fx. NVIDIA High Definition Audio - Integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell Monitors SE2417HG
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    1TB ATA CT1000BX500SSD1 SCSI Disk Device
    2TB ATA ST2000DM008-2FR1 SCSI Disk Device
    2TB ATA ST31500341AS SCSI Disk Device
    Keyboard
    Dell Keyboard
    Mouse
    Vertical Wireless Mouse - 2.4GHz Optical Vertical Mice : 3 Adjustable DPI 800/1200/1600 Levels
    Internet Speed
    945 Mbs (Down) 32 Mbs (Up)
    Browser
    Google Chrome. Firefox. Opera.
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    TP-Link Gigabit PCI Express Adapter (Ethernet 802.3)
    Sophos TAP Adapter Provider (Ethernet 802.3)
  • Operating System
    Microsoft Windows 11 Home 64-bit. 22631 Multiprocessor Free
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 15-3530
    CPU
    13th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-1355U
    Motherboard
    Dell Inc. 0122F5
    Memory
    Total Memory: 16.00 GB Usable Memory: 15.69 GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel(R) Iris(R) Xe Graphics
    Sound Card
    (1) Intel® Smart Sound Technology for Bluetooth® Audio (2) Intel® Smart Sound Technology for USB Audio (3) Realtek Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Integrated
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    NVMe PC SN740 NVMe WD 512GB
    PSU
    Integrated
    Mouse
    Integrated
    Keyboard
    Integrated
    Internet Speed
    143 Mbs Down / 43 Mbs Up
    Browser
    Google Chrome . Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Looking to purchase a new computer desktop. The one I really like comes with one main drive, and can only be attached one other drive to it.

In my current desktop, I have three drives (1 OS and 2 others for my data), that's total of 3.
If I purchase the new one am interested in, can I externally connected a drive, a with the SATA cable to a USB 3.0 port, and leave the drive on the floor, on top of the desktop, or even duct tape it on it's side.

What would be the significant difference between internally and externally connected hard drives?

Cheers

Low speed is the main limitation of an external disk, compared to a SSD internal boot disk.

Use an external SATA USB 3.0 enclosure for 2.5 inch disks. Install in it a SATA SSD, and connect the enclosure to the USB 3.0 port, using a USB 3-compatible cable.

This will work much faster than an external HDD.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10
Use an external SATA USB 3.0 enclosure for 2.5 inch disks. Install in it a SATA SSD, and connect the enclosure to the USB 3.0 port.

This will work much faster than an external HDD. Low speed is the main limitation of an external disk.
I apologize I was not specific. It has to be an SSD (not HHD). I will never deal with HHD anymore for any new drive purchase.

The current ones I have are two 2TB HHDs for data, and a 1TB for Windows. For any new desktop PC, all has to be SSDs.
So, internal SSD and an externally connected SSD, what would be the difference?

Looks like the pandemic messed things up, with respect to technology. SSDs cost have gone up. I used to purchase 2TB SSD for about $65; known name. I need two 2TB SSDs to replace the two 2TB HHDs I have, but the current prices.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Microsoft Windows 11 Pro 64-bit 22631 Multiprocessor Free
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell. Precision Tower 5810
    CPU
    Intel(R) Xeon(R) CPU E5-1607 v3 @ 3.10GHz
    Motherboard
    Dell Inc. Base Board. 0K240Y
    Memory
    Total: 16.00 GB Usable: 15.92 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA Quadro K2200. Quadro K2200.
    Sound Card
    Sound Blaster Audigy Fx. NVIDIA High Definition Audio - Integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell Monitors SE2417HG
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    1TB ATA CT1000BX500SSD1 SCSI Disk Device
    2TB ATA ST2000DM008-2FR1 SCSI Disk Device
    2TB ATA ST31500341AS SCSI Disk Device
    Keyboard
    Dell Keyboard
    Mouse
    Vertical Wireless Mouse - 2.4GHz Optical Vertical Mice : 3 Adjustable DPI 800/1200/1600 Levels
    Internet Speed
    945 Mbs (Down) 32 Mbs (Up)
    Browser
    Google Chrome. Firefox. Opera.
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    TP-Link Gigabit PCI Express Adapter (Ethernet 802.3)
    Sophos TAP Adapter Provider (Ethernet 802.3)
  • Operating System
    Microsoft Windows 11 Home 64-bit. 22631 Multiprocessor Free
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 15-3530
    CPU
    13th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-1355U
    Motherboard
    Dell Inc. 0122F5
    Memory
    Total Memory: 16.00 GB Usable Memory: 15.69 GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel(R) Iris(R) Xe Graphics
    Sound Card
    (1) Intel® Smart Sound Technology for Bluetooth® Audio (2) Intel® Smart Sound Technology for USB Audio (3) Realtek Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Integrated
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    NVMe PC SN740 NVMe WD 512GB
    PSU
    Integrated
    Mouse
    Integrated
    Keyboard
    Integrated
    Internet Speed
    143 Mbs Down / 43 Mbs Up
    Browser
    Google Chrome . Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
So, internal SSD and an externally connected SSD, what would be the difference?

Looks like the pandemic messed things up, with respect to technology. SSDs cost have gone up. I used to purchase 2TB SSD for about $65; known name. I need two 2TB SSDs to replace the two 2TB HHDs I have, but the current prices.
External SSDs support Trim, no difference in this.

One difference may be that the external SSD is DRAM-less and uses HMB [Host Memory Buffer] technology (use of main DRAM memory instead of internal in-SSD DRAM), but as far as I know HMB is not supported in USB links. I am not sure how this impact performance.

I use an external SATA SSD permanently attached, installed in a Vantec enclosure. It is a Samsung 870 EVO, which has internal DRAM memory. It has worked perfectly for several years.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10
External SSDs support Trim, no difference in this.

One difference may be that the external SSD is DRAM-less and uses HMB [Host Memory Buffer] technology (use of main DRAM memory instead of internal in-SSD DRAM), but as far as I know HMB is not supported in USB links. I am not sure how this impact performance.

I use an external SATA SSD permanently attached, installed in a Vantec enclosure. It is a Samsung 870 EVO, which has internal DRAM memory. It has worked perfectly for several years.
That's the thought I was looking for.
Thanks!
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Microsoft Windows 11 Pro 64-bit 22631 Multiprocessor Free
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell. Precision Tower 5810
    CPU
    Intel(R) Xeon(R) CPU E5-1607 v3 @ 3.10GHz
    Motherboard
    Dell Inc. Base Board. 0K240Y
    Memory
    Total: 16.00 GB Usable: 15.92 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA Quadro K2200. Quadro K2200.
    Sound Card
    Sound Blaster Audigy Fx. NVIDIA High Definition Audio - Integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell Monitors SE2417HG
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    1TB ATA CT1000BX500SSD1 SCSI Disk Device
    2TB ATA ST2000DM008-2FR1 SCSI Disk Device
    2TB ATA ST31500341AS SCSI Disk Device
    Keyboard
    Dell Keyboard
    Mouse
    Vertical Wireless Mouse - 2.4GHz Optical Vertical Mice : 3 Adjustable DPI 800/1200/1600 Levels
    Internet Speed
    945 Mbs (Down) 32 Mbs (Up)
    Browser
    Google Chrome. Firefox. Opera.
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    TP-Link Gigabit PCI Express Adapter (Ethernet 802.3)
    Sophos TAP Adapter Provider (Ethernet 802.3)
  • Operating System
    Microsoft Windows 11 Home 64-bit. 22631 Multiprocessor Free
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 15-3530
    CPU
    13th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-1355U
    Motherboard
    Dell Inc. 0122F5
    Memory
    Total Memory: 16.00 GB Usable Memory: 15.69 GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel(R) Iris(R) Xe Graphics
    Sound Card
    (1) Intel® Smart Sound Technology for Bluetooth® Audio (2) Intel® Smart Sound Technology for USB Audio (3) Realtek Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Integrated
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    NVMe PC SN740 NVMe WD 512GB
    PSU
    Integrated
    Mouse
    Integrated
    Keyboard
    Integrated
    Internet Speed
    143 Mbs Down / 43 Mbs Up
    Browser
    Google Chrome . Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
I definitely wouldn't put it on the floor. I think you would be better off using Velcro and attaching it to the computer case.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Canary Channel
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    PowerSpec B746
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-10700K
    Motherboard
    ASRock Z490 Phantom Gaming 4/ax
    Memory
    16GB (8GB PC4-19200 DDR4 SDRAM x2)
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 TI
    Sound Card
    Realtek Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    #1. LG ULTRAWIDE 34" #2. AOC Q32G2WG3 32"
    Screen Resolution
    #1. 3440 X 1440 #2. 1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    NVMe WDC WDS100T2B0C-00PXH0 1TB
    Samsung SSD 860 EVO 1TB
    PSU
    750 Watts (62.5A)
    Case
    PowerSpec/Lian Li ATX 205
    Keyboard
    Logitech K270
    Mouse
    Logitech M185
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge and Firefox
    Antivirus
    ESET Internet Security
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Canary Channel
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    PowerSpec G156
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-8400 CPU @ 2.80GHz
    Motherboard
    AsusTeK Prime B360M-S
    Memory
    16 MB DDR 4-2666
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Speptre HDMI 75Hz
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 970 EVO 500GB NVMe
    Mouse
    Logitek M185
    Keyboard
    Logitek K270
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge and Edge Canary
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Dell specifically told me it can ONLY take an extra drive; I think because of it's size. He mentioned there's not port for a third drive. Am still looking into other DELL's systems. Am still trying to make up my mind on which to get. For my question, it should not really mater what type of desktop it is.

So, back to my question, say for a desktop computer, what would be the difference between an internal drive and one I connected externally to a 3.0 USB?
Howzabout an external USB bus? Plug that into the single USB port and then attach your drives to the hub. My Dell
laptop has two USB-A ports and one USB-C, not enough for my accessories. Fortunately, my Dell monitor has a built-in USB hub. EZPZ.

- Ethernet Adapter (USB-C)
- External Optical Drive
- External WD Backup Drive
- Desktop USB Port for temporary use
- Local printer
- External Speaker
- Wireless keyboard and mouse
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro @2N23
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7
    Memory
    16gb
    Hard Drives
    M2 2TB SSD
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    ioBit

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 Build 22631.5039
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Sin-built
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4770K CPU @ 3.50GHz (4th Gen?)
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus VI Formula
    Memory
    32.0 GB of I forget and the box is in storage.
    Graphics Card(s)
    Gigabyte nVidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super OC 6GB
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    5 x LG 25MS500-B - 1 x 24MK430H-B - 1 x Wacom Pro 22" Tablet
    Screen Resolution
    All over the place
    Hard Drives
    Too many to list.
    OS on Samsung 1TB 870 QVO SATA
    PSU
    Silverstone 1500
    Case
    NZXT Phantom 820 Full-Tower Case
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D15 Elite Class Dual Tower CPU Cooler / 6 x EziDIY 120mm / 2 x Corsair 140mm somethings / 1 x 140mm Thermaltake something / 2 x 200mm Corsair.
    Keyboard
    Corsair K95 / Logitech diNovo Edge Wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech: G402 / G502 / Mx Masters / MX Air Cordless
    Internet Speed
    1000/400Mbps
    Browser
    All sorts
    Antivirus
    Kaspersky Premium
    Other Info
    I’m on a horse.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 Build: 22631.4249
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    LENOVO Yoga 7i EVO OLED 14" Touchscreen i5 12 Core 16GB/512GB
    CPU
    Intel Core 12th Gen i5-1240P Processor (1.7 - 4.4GHz)
    Memory
    16GB LPDDR5 RAM
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Iris Xe Graphics Processor
    Sound Card
    Optimized with Dolby Atmos®
    Screen Resolution
    QHD 2880 x 1800 OLED
    Hard Drives
    M.2 512GB
    Antivirus
    Defender / Malwarebytes
    Other Info
    …still on a horse.

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