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Connection to external hard drive for backups

Discussion in 'Storage and Networking' started by Jskid, Oct 5, 2012.

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  1. Jskid TechSpot Enthusiast Posts: 331

    I'm going to get an external hard drive for backups and can't decide on a USB 3 or eSATA interface. eSATA is faster but my computer doesn't have a port so I'd need to buy an adapter. Do adapters slow the transfer down? Is it that big of a difference between USB 3 and eSATA or would my money be spent better on something else e.g. disk rpm?
    Jskid, Oct 5, 2012
    #1

  2. jobeard TS Ambassador Posts: 12,341   +132

    Heck, I just use a USB device and it performs very well - - it's also portable for a recovery elsewhere if needed.
    jobeard, Oct 5, 2012
    #2

  3. SNGX1275 TS Special Forces Posts: 11,917   +119

    I would go with USB3. I have an eSATA enclosure and it came with a plate for the back of the tower, and from that plate there is just a cable to the typical SATA connection on the motherboard, so there isn't any reason for a speed difference. USB 3 is going to be a better option simply because it will work on pretty much any computer.
    SNGX1275, Oct 6, 2012
    #3

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