Connecting a hard drive to a computer via USB. USB controller test for connecting IDE and SATA devices. How to connect an external hard drive to a laptop - simple, detailed and accessible instructions for everyone
Hard drives with a sata interface are still the most capacious storage devices on the market. They are ideal for Reserve copy information, as well as for transferring large amounts of data when the speed of the Internet connection or the capacity of devices with Flash memory is not enough.
However, stationary hard disks, installed inside the computer case, are designed for the sata interface, and are connected directly to motherboard. This method is associated with several difficulties, moreover, it is impossible on laptops, while connecting a sata hdd via usb is no problem to any modern PC.
Let's talk a little about computer terminology in Russian. Sata is the name of the most common controller interface hard drives(“hard drives”, hdd). Previously, the ata (ide) standard was also used, but is now considered obsolete. A controller is a device that controls the drive. Usually it is located directly on the computer’s motherboard; therefore, to physically access it, you need to disassemble the PC case. But in many cases this is redundant, and laptops do not have regular funds for connecting additional hard drives.
However, these difficulties can be solved by connecting the HDD via a USB port. universal serial bus - that is, “universal serial bus”), which is equipped with any modern PC. How to connect sata hdd via usb? This can be done using special external sata controllers (adapters) that convert sata signals to usb.
Since you can connect a hdd via USB to any computer, the method is universal. In particular, it allows:
1. Use HDD on a laptop, net-top or all-in-one PC
Many modern users prefer traditional full-size system units (so-called “desktops”) different kinds portable or compact computers, such as laptops. Other popular form factors are monoblocks ( system unit and monitor are combined into one device) and net-tops (small system units the size of a thick book). The advantages of these types of PCs are obvious: they are easy to transport, they make less noise, take up little space, and so on. But their compactness completely excludes the installation of new devices inside the case. For owners of such computers, an external usb controller can be useful for copying large amounts of information and creating backups, since connecting a sata hdd via usb is the only way using a sata disk in such a system.
2. Connect the drive without disassembling the desktop computer case
With a USB controller, you don't have to disassemble your computer case for installation hard drive. This will save you from unnecessary operations and simplify the process of copying information. Also, an external controller is indispensable in cases where it is not possible to remove the casing: the necessary tools are missing, the system unit is under warranty, or it is a sealed computer in the organization, which is prohibited from opening.
3. Connect an old hard drive with an outdated ata (ide) interface to a modern computer whose motherboard does not have a controller for this interface
The presence of an ata (ide) controller on modern motherboards is rare. But what if you need to copy some information from an old hard drive, for example, ten years ago? There are ATA controllers that are installed inside the case, but we recommend using a USB adapter for these purposes, since connecting an HDD via USB to copy information from an old device is easier and more convenient than installing an additional component on the motherboard.
Types of adapters that allow you to connect hdd via usb
There are a large number of manufacturers producing external controllers for drives, but the variety of models can be divided into two types:
1. External box
External boxes They are a special case into which a sata hard drive is placed. Such devices are largely designed for constant use. For example, when you need to increase the amount of free information on a net-top. External boxes allow you to secure the hard drive with bolts for reliability and close it with a protective cover. Accordingly, frequent replacement of the drive is not provided. An example of such a form factor is the DEXP BS-U35YA U3 model.
2.Adapter
This design does not provide for fixing the drive in the housing. Adapters are used for short-term use: for example, when you need to connect a hard drive to a laptop, copy the necessary information and disconnect it. This form factor is more compact, which is convenient for transportation. It is better suited for frequent changes of connected drives (for example, in computer services or departments). technical support). Also, unlike external boxes, which are designed for one type of interface, adapters can provide the ability to connect hard drives of different standards: 2.5”, 3.5” sata and ide (for example, the AGESTAR FUBCP model).
How to properly connect sata hdd via usb adapter
- Connect the hard drive to the adapter.
- Connect the power supply to the drive.
- Connect the power supply to a 220 V network.
- Connect the adapter to the PC's USB port. The operating system must detect the new device and provide access to the drive partitions.
Disconnection procedure
- Use the “safely disconnect devices” feature in your operating system to stop the drive.
- Disconnect the adapter from the PC.
- Disconnect the power supply from the 220 V network.
- Disconnect the hard drive from the adapter.
The correct procedure for connecting and disconnecting ensures the safety of the drive and the information on it.
Hello, we continue to figure out how to connect hard drives and other IDE and SATA devices. Today I got my hands on the AGESTAR FUBCP USB controller. As has already become clear, it is designed to connect devices via a USB interface.
This method is perfect for those who often work with hard drives and copying information.
I suggest you take a closer look at this cunning device and figure out how it works.
The adapter kit includes:
- the usb - sata/ide adapter itself;
- 12V power supply with molex connector;
- cable for power supply;
- Warranty card, instructions, driver disk.
In total, the adapter has 3 interfaces: SATA,IDE 40 pin(for connecting IDE drives 3.5″), IDE 44pin(for connecting IDE drives 1.8″/2.5″).
For greater clarity, I suggest looking at the photo below. Click on the picture to enlarge.
Below is a photo of the adapter with reverse side, where you can see the power button and power connector.
The instructions included in the kit are completely in Russian, so it’s quite easy to understand. The entire process of connecting hard drives can be divided into 2 sections:
HDD connection 2.5″
For such disks, you need to connect the USB adapter to the corresponding connector and connect the black USB wire to the computer. In most cases this will be sufficient.
In rare cases, when the hard drive requires more than 0.5 mA power, you will also need to connect the red additional power wire.
HDD connection 3.5″
With 3.5 inch HDDs things are a little more complicated. The difference is that they do not have enough power via USB. This is why the adapter comes with a separate power supply with a molex connector. So, if there is a need to connect a SATA drive, then we must connect it to the SATA connector of the controller, connect the USB wire and be sure to plug the power cable into the adapter.
For a 3.5″ IDE HDD you need to do the same, but the power cable must be connected directly to the hard drive. It was with this disk that I carried out all the tests.
In general, the diagram for connecting an IDE hard drive to a computer via USB will look like this:
The HDD is detected in the system without installing any drivers. Judging by the instructions, which I read from cover to cover, installing drivers is only necessary if you have Windows 98.)) After a few seconds and a couple of familiar Windows windows I could use the hard drive like a regular flash drive.
Backup
I can't help but say about the backup system, which is also provided by this adapter. The most observant readers may have noticed the small black button “ backup" on the device body (see photo with captions above). So, clicking on this button allows you to launch a utility for copying files from your computer to a connected hard drive. Of course, before this, the program must be installed from the disk that comes with the kit.
To install, you need to run the “Setup.exe” file from the “PCCLONEEX_LITE_2_01_31_JMICRON/PcCloneEx” folder. The following is a completely standard installation process, which I will not dwell on.
After the program is installed, you need to click on the “backup” button. A window appears asking you to select files for backup.
After you have checked the files or folders, click on the adapter button again and confirm your action in the pop-up window. When copying is complete, the program will display a corresponding message. Later, when the program is minimized, double tap to "backup" starts a backup of previously selected files in the background.
To be honest, the advantage of such a copying system is very doubtful, but it’s still nice that the developers have provided for it.
Yes, by the way, the cost of this USB adapter is about 600 - 700 rubles. Only you, dear readers, can judge whether this is a lot or a little, but I don’t even question the usefulness and convenience of this device.
That's all for me, rate it, share with friends, write in the comments. ?
The time has come when one hard drive in a computer is no longer enough. More and more users decide to connect second HDD to your PC, but not everyone knows how to do it correctly themselves in order to avoid mistakes. In fact, the procedure for adding a second disk is simple and does not require special skills. It is not even necessary to mount the hard drive - it can be connected as external device, if there is a free USB port.
Options for connecting a second hard drive are as simple as possible:
- Connecting the HDD to the computer system unit.
Suitable for owners of regular desktop PCs who do not want to have external connected devices. - Connecting a hard drive as an external drive.
The easiest way to connect an HDD, and the only one possible for a laptop owner.
Option 1. Installation in the system unit
HDD type determination
Before connecting, you need to determine the type of interface the hard drive works with - SATA or IDE. Almost everything modern computers are equipped with a SATA interface, so it is best if the hard drive is of the same type. The IDE bus is considered obsolete and may simply not be present on the motherboard. Therefore, connecting such a drive may cause some difficulties.
The easiest way to recognize the standard is by contacts. This is what they look like on SATA drives:
And this is how the IDE does it:
Connecting a second SATA drive in the system unit
The process of connecting a disk is very easy and takes place in several stages:
Boot priority for SATA drives
The motherboard usually has 4 connectors for connecting SATA drives. They are designated as SATA0 - the first, SATA1 - the second, etc. The priority of the hard drive is directly related to the numbering of the connector. If you need to manually set the priority, you will need to go into the BIOS. Depending on the BIOS type, the interface and controls will be different.
In older versions, go to the section Advanced BIOS Features and work with the parameters First Boot Device And Second Boot Device. In new BIOS versions, look for the section Boot or Boot Sequence and parameter 1st/2nd Boot Priority.
Connecting a second IDE drive
In rare cases, there is a need to install a disk with an outdated IDE interface. In this case, the connection process will be slightly different.
Connecting a second IDE drive to the first SATA drive
When you need to connect an IDE drive to an already working SATA HDD, use a special IDE-SATA adapter.
The connection diagram is as follows:
- The jumper on the adapter is set to Master mode.
- The IDE plug connects to the hard drive itself.
- The red SATA cable is connected on one side to the adapter, and the other to the motherboard.
- The power cable is connected on one side to the adapter, and on the other to the power supply.
You may need to purchase a 4-pin to SATA adapter.
Initializing the disk in the OS
In both cases, after connecting, the system may not see the connected disk. This does not mean that you did something wrong; on the contrary, it is normal when the new HDD is not visible in the system. The hard drive must be initialized before it can be used. Read about how this is done in our other article.
Option 2. Connecting an external hard drive
Often users choose to connect external HDD. This is much simpler and more convenient if some files stored on the disk are sometimes needed outside the home. And in the situation with laptops, this method will be especially relevant, since there is no separate slot for a second HDD.
An external hard drive is connected via USB in exactly the same way as another device with the same interface (flash drive, mouse, keyboard).
A hard drive designed for installation in the system unit can also be connected via USB. To do this, you need to use either an adapter/adapter or a special external case for the hard drive. The essence of the operation of such devices is similar - through the adapter the HDD is supplied required voltage, and the connection to a PC is via USB. Hard drives of different form factors have their own cables, so when purchasing you should always pay attention to the standard that specifies the overall dimensions of your HDD.
If you decide to connect the drive using the second method, then literally follow 2 rules: do not neglect to safely remove the device and do not disconnect the drive while working with the PC to avoid errors.
We talked about ways to connect a second hard drive to a computer or laptop. As you can see, there is nothing complicated in this procedure and it is absolutely not necessary to use the services of computer specialists.
Hello.
Sometimes it happens that a laptop or computer does not turn on, but the information from its disk is needed for work. Well or do you have old hard drive, lying “idle” and which would be quite nice to turn into a portable external drive.
In this short article I want to dwell on special “adapters” that allow you to connect SATA drives to a regular port Computer USB or laptop.
1) The article will only consider modern wheels. They all support the SATA interface.
2) “Adapter” for connecting the drive to USB port- correctly called BOX (that’s what it will be called further in the article).
How to connect a laptop's SATA HDD/SSD drive to USB (2.5-inch drive)
Disks from laptops are smaller than those from PCs (2.5 inches, on PCs 3.5 inches). As a rule, BOX (translated as “box”) for them comes without external source power supply with 2 ports for connecting to USB (the so-called “pigtail”. It is advisable to connect the drive to two USB ports, despite the fact that it will work if you connect it to only one).
What to look for when purchasing:
1) The BOX itself can have a plastic or metal case (you can choose either one, because in the event of a fall, even if the case itself is not damaged, the disk will be damaged. This means that the case will not save you in all cases...);
2) In addition, when choosing, pay attention to the connection interface: USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 can provide absolutely different speeds. By the way, for example, BOX with USB support 2.0 when copying (or reading) information - will allow you to work at a speed of no more than ~30 MB/s;
3) And one more important point- this is the thickness for which the BOX is designed. The fact is that 2.5 disks for laptops can have different thicknesses: 9.5 mm, 7 mm, etc. If you buy a BOX for the slim version, then you probably won’t be able to install a 9.5 mm thick disk into it!
BOX is usually disassembled quite quickly and easily. As a rule, it is held in place by 1-2 latches or screws. A typical BOX for connecting SATA drives to USB 2.0 is shown in Fig. 1.
Rice. 1. Installing the disc in the BOX
When assembled, such a BOX is no different from a regular external hard drive. It is also convenient to carry and use for quick information exchange. By the way, it is also convenient to store on such disks backups, which are usually not needed, but if something happens they can save a lot of nerve cells :)
Rice. 2. When assembled, the HDD is no different from a regular external drive
Connecting 3.5 disks (from a computer) to a USB port
These wheels are slightly larger than 2.5 inches. USB power supply It's not enough to connect them, so they come with an additional adapter. The principle of choosing a BOX and its operation is similar to the first type (see above).
By the way, it is worth noting that a 2.5-inch drive can usually be connected to such a BOX (i.e., many of these models are universal).
Also, one more point: often manufacturers do not make any box for such drives at all - that is, you simply connect the drive to the cables, and it works (which is logical in principle - such drives can hardly be called portable, which means the box itself is usually not required).
If you are going to purchase accessories for computer repair, then a SATA USB adapter is the first thing you need to pay attention to. Such a device allows communication between the two most common interfaces. The SATA standard is used on almost all internal drives of personal computers and laptops. All modern PCs are equipped with USB ports.
What can this adapter be used for? This is exactly the tool you will need in case of hard drive failure. If things go wrong with the HDD, there is a high chance that the computer will become unbootable. In this case, you will have to replace the disk, but the information that was stored on the previous drive will be lost.
If the HDD is partially damaged, this does not mean that all files on it are lost forever. Using USB adapter on SATA, you will likely be able to recover most of your data. Even if the disk is not initialized, there are many free programs, which will allow you to scan partitions and detect any information that needs to be recovered.
Hardware failure is not the only reason to use an adapter. For example, a user may want to upgrade to a larger and faster SSD drive. Using the adapter, you will be able to transfer all the old data to the new disk yourself, without turning to specialists for help. In addition, HDDs have become incredibly cheap. Any user who regularly updates their computer usually has at least 1 drive with a capacity of more than 500 GB. With this simple adapter you can turn your HDD into external drive to access old files.
Anker USB 3 to SATA Converter
Not all SATA USB devices are created equal. Some use an outdated standard that negatively impacts throughput. Others may not be compatible with newer drive types. There are varieties of adapters that stand out from the rest. First of all, you should pay attention to Anker USB 3 to SATA Converter Adapter Cable.
Studying Anker products, one can come to the conclusion that the company has no shortage of components and peripheral devices ah for computers. Judging by numerous reviews, everything from chargers and ending with cables or adapters, users rate them very highly. You may not have seen the products of this company in local retail outlets, but you can easily find them in online stores.
USB adapter to SATA from Anker is a simple device that gets the job done. The adapter is equipped with only the most necessary equipment, and there are no unnecessary components. The developers have done everything possible to ensure that the device copes perfectly with the task assigned to it. The USB SATA adapter is a black rectangular box. This allows you to place it on a flat surface, preventing the drive from detaching during use.
There are 2 cables that can be connected to the back of the device: USB 3 for data transfer and an optional power cord for use with high-power drives. The cables are reliable and durable, making this adapter useful even if the distance between the computer and the SATA 2 device is short (causing the cables to be bent). Thanks to its impeccable design, the device will look great in an office or digital repair shop.
Adapter capabilities from Anker
Unlike some other adapters on the market, Anker is equipped with a hardware SATA 3 controller. If the device relies on software to convert signals, this may cause performance and compatibility issues. Fortunately, used hardware controller Anker is standard and it has been thoroughly tested with various devices. This means that almost any computer or drive that can be physically connected to this adapter will work. Thanks to the built-in power adapter, the device supports both 2.5- and 3.5-inch drives.
The USB 3 port is only capable of delivering a relatively small amount of power. This is enough to power compact 2.5-inch drives and SSD drives. But 3.5-inch devices will require a little more power, and a power adapter will help in such a situation. In terms of compatibility, you can use hard drives, SSDs, Blu-Ray drives, DVD recorders, and combo drives. The adapter works with almost everything operating systems from Microsoft, starting with Windows 98 and ending with Windows 10. Mac OS is also supported. Theoretically, there is no reason to think that a SATA to USB adapter will refuse to work with Linux, but this system is not officially supported.
Thanks to the USB 3 interface, data transfer occurs according to an accelerated procedure. The theoretical limit is 5 Gbps, but this is quite difficult to achieve in practice. When using an SSD, read speeds are typically around 350 Mbps and write speeds are around 250 Mbps. Record data transfer rates can only be achieved if you use the most fast SSDs, available on the market. In cases with regular PC hard drives, the maximum speed is 120 Mbps for reading and 100 Mbps for writing. In this case, the reduction bandwidth via USB is not connected to the adapter, but to outdated HDD technology.
There are not many additional functions on this adapter, because simplicity is its main advantage. The operating system does not recognize it as an adapter, but simply sees a standard external drive via USB. This means that all built-in backup software will work without interruption. You can use any data recovery program or create images without any special drivers or settings. Due to the lack of drivers, the SATA USB adapter will work in safe mode, and this makes it ideal for diagnostics and repairs.
Inateck USB 3 to IDE/SATA Converter
The Inateck Universal USB 3 to IDE/SATA Converter is created by a popular peripheral device manufacturer that develops not only consumer, but also professional devices. Many of Inatek's products offer advanced functionality, while its prices are comparable to its competitors.
Despite the large number of options, the adapter is compatible with all types of operating systems and drives via USB. The only major difference between the adapter and other similar devices is its support for IDE drives. Such drives have long gone out of fashion, but they are still used by some users. This connection standard is used for PCs, laptops, CD and DVD drives, as well as devices that read floppy disks.
Many adapters are only compatible with small IDE drives because they don't have a power connection. But in this case, thanks to a special power cable, you can easily use not only 3.5-, but also 5.25-inch drives. The adapter works with OSX, as well as operating systems from Microsoft, from Windows XP to Windows 10.
