I've started ripping some of my DVDs and CDs and need more space than my 40GB allows for. I've been looking at a Maxtor OneTouch II 300GB external

Maxtor OneTouch II 300GB External HDD

...but a few questions...

For storing dvds, mp3s, pics, etc, that I won't be looking at 24/7, (and which I'll eventually transfer to other comps) is it worth the sacrifice in speed to have the external rather than installing an internal? Basically, will I notice a different in opening songs, documents, etc?

USB or Firewire for transfer speed? I know they're about the same, but should I install firewire ports when I can just use my USB2.0?

What will I need to do once I get it? Format? Install Windows on it? (I will only be using this for storage, not something I'll be booting from).

And is +/-$225 a decent price?

Thanks.

No time for love, Dr. Jones!

The HDD will perform to your expectations.

Firewire benches out faster than USB 2.0 but in actual use, most reviewers don't notice much difference. USB 2.0 is more often found on computers than firewire but you can get PCI cards for both.

I got a 160GB Maxtor like the one you are looking at and it came formatted FAT32 so I could use it with both WINXP and WIN98SE. I don't use WIN98SE anymore so I've since converted it to NTFS.

I found that building your own external USB HDD is a lot cheaper. I bought a $30 enclosure and put a $50 200GB Seagate HDD in it and it runs as good or better than the Maxtor I have. I think I saw a 200GB Seagate at Outpost for $60 and a NexStar enclosure for $30. I know it's not 300GB but it's only $90.

Thanks for the info...

If I have to format the HDD will I have to install Windows on it since I'm only gonna be using it for storage?

No time for love, Dr. Jones!

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No

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Badboy:

"Firewire benches out faster than USB 2.0"

This is a popular belief but not true at all.

I have 2 external drives, both with firewire and USB2 connect.

Right on the box in Black and white it clearly states that USB2 operates at a faster speed... and there IS quite a noticable difference. The firewire is definately slower.

Blackbill is half right. I got it backwards.

In this article:

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,4149,844061,00.asp

came this quote:

Though USB 2.0 is rated at a higher throughput speed, FireWire delivered faster performance on external hard drives when connected to a desktop.

I've never run a firewire external HDD for comparison purposes.

You don't need an OS on an external HDD that you are using for storage.

Interesting article...

Although I can't test that quote... I have Laptops... oh well.

So El Klandero:

"USB or Firewire for transfer speed? I know they're about the same, but should I install firewire ports when I can just use my USB2.0?"

PC Magazine, blackbill, and Badboy think that you will do fine using your USB 2.0 connection.

Thanks for all the info, it helped a lot.

No time for love, Dr. Jones!

Can I format a new internal HDD through the USB enclosure (external box)?

loopy, you should start your own thread.

If you have WINXP, you can format a new HDD usng an external caddy as long as your caddy doesn't need WINXP drivers or as long as you have the drivers installed if it does.