Will an ATA drive Work in an IDE Exclosure

Here folks: Have a question for you. I want to say that if this has been posted before, I'm sorry for posting it again.

Here goes: I've been told that ATA drives, like the one here: (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1723262&Sku=THD-500A) is essentially an IDE drive. Correct me if I am wrong, but if that is the case, it should fit in an IDE interface Exclosure (like the one seen here: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=31389&CatId=0).

Thanks guys.

 

Yep! You can learn about them here:
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/ide.htm

 

ATA (Advanced Technology Attachment) is the data transfer method for IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics) devices, it's sometimes known as Parallel ATA (P-ATA) since it uses a parallel ribbon cable (even though they're sometimes coiled up).
ATA, as long as there's no S in front of it will work fine in your enclosure.

 

Thanks folks. I thought the connection method was pretty much the same more or less.

 

Yeah they are, in essence the same. The words mean different things but they refer to the same technology.

 

That makes my life easier. I saw a 500GB SATA drive at Best Buy for $160, but since I can't find a SATA encosure that uses Firewire, gues I'll just buy that ATA drive.

 

Actually the best external transfer method is external S-ATA, as it runs at the 1200Mbps of the internal connection, rather than Firewire's limiting 400, or USB2's limiting average of 240 (480 Burst).
http://www.short-media.com/review.php?r=250
http://www.firewire-1394.com/sata-internal-external-bracket.htm

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822136014

 

I was actually wondering about that, but at my college, where I plan on using it, USB 2.0 or Firewire is the only option. I don't want USB becasue then I can't use a jumpdrive when it is plugged in. It's a mess. LOL.

As for my personal computer, I still have 2 open SATA ports.

 

Right, so which interface is it you want, firewire?

 

Yes, definately firewire. In most cases, I'd care less, but I gotta choose firewire in this case.

 

Fair enough. I'd still recommend Icy Box's enclosures though. However, if you'll use it for several hours a day on a regular basis, I'd recommend looking for one with a fan. My IDE USB unit gets hotter than I would previously have deemed acceptable (i.e. if i use it for a few hours then turn it off and open the cover, I can't put my hand on the top of the drive and hold it, it's too hot and burns my hand... :-( )

 

I'll take that into consideration. You probally have a point about the fan.

 

Especially with new, bigger High performance drives. This one's only a 160GB IDE Caviar 7200rpm with 2MB cache. 16MB 500GB ones may get warmer still. And as for Raptors, well!