Series 3 hard drive checklist

I'm just curious - did you even TRY to see if there was ANY thread that MIGHT already have covered your questions?

Seagate DB35 750GB I would recommend (thats what I got).

I would use the eSata. Look at the stickys

jfh3 said:

I'm just curious - did you even TRY to see if there was ANY thread that MIGHT already have covered your questions?

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Yes, I did. But the threads were older.

jauburn said:

Yes, I did. But the threads were older.

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The last post in the thread that he was talking about was yesterday, and there is a whole upgrade forum on the site that has about a dozen threads in it that were posted to today. Not exactly what I would call older.

BTW, I used you as an example in the "Use the FAQ" thread that's going on in here. I mean nothing personal by it, and hope that you're not offended. This thread was just the perfect example for what we were discussing over there.

And yeah, what carsten said. Go buy a DB35.

TivoHD Upgrade Instructions

These instructions are for use under Windows XP SP2 and Windows Vista only. Do not use these instructions with previous versions of Windows.

2. Remove the outer case and existing drive using a torx screwdriver in the T10 size. If you don't have one of appropriate length, you can purchase the Star Driver T10 Ampro (9014713) from Advance Auto Parts for about $4.
   
3. Download WinMFS here.
   
4. Shut down Windows and attach original TiVo drive. You can open your computer and attach it with a SATA cable, or attach it externally using a SATA->USB adapter like this.
   
5. Boot to Windows XP SP2 or Vista, run WinMFS, and click 'Select Drive' to select the drive you attached.
   
6. In WinMFS, click the 'Backup' option. Save the file to your hard drive.
   
7. Shut down the computer and attach the new, larger drive. You can disconnect the original Tivo drive.
   
8. Turn your computer back on, run WinMFS, and click the 'Restore' option. Select the file you saved to your hard drive in step #5.
   
9. You're done. Install the new drive in the TivoHD.

Note that won't backup your existing recordings. The "Backup" option in WinMFS just backs up the Tivo software and your configuration, not the recordings.

If you want to backup your recordings too,then you need to choose the MFSCopy option in WinMFS which requires that the original Tivo drive and new drive be connected at the same time -- in which case you may want 2x SATA -> USB adapters.

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The Nerds.Net has the 750Gb DB35 (ST3750840SCE) for $255.

bkdtv said:

The Nerds.Net has the 750Gb DB35 (ST3750840SCE) for $255.

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So the DB35 seems to be the concensus best bet?

Seagate Barracuda inside a Vizo Enclosure using a CG6EAS shielded eSATA cable works.

However, you have to chop off some of the excess rubber from the connector for it to go all the way in.

Plus it's 1 TB and it's got 32 megs of cache.

If you want to upgrade your internal hard drive or add an eSATA drive it's best to use drives, enclosures and cables that are recommended based on a proven track record. bkdtv has created what is without question the best source of information on this forum which includes all of the recommended equipment as well as instructions... and that's the place to start:

Official eSATA Drive Expansion: FAQ + Discussion

For eSATA expansion, refer to Section III, #'s 21 through 23 for recommended drives, enclosures and cables.

FWIW, we've been using a Seagate DB35 7200.3 hard drive in an Antec MX-1 enclosure with a SIIG CB-SA0111-S1 cable for over six months with zero problems. Links for purchasing everything are included on bkdtv's thread.

You can also find excellent upgrade information at the MFSLive website.

Happy upgrading!

Joybob said:

Seagate Barracuda inside a Vizo Enclosure using a CG6EAS shielded eSATA cable works.

However, you have to chop off some of the excess rubber from the connector for it to go all the way in.

Plus it's 1 TB and it's got 32 megs of cache.

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Interesting choices. AFAIK the hard drive, the enclosure and the cable you've listed have never been used and are not recommended. Did you seek them out specifically and if so, why? Or where they something you had laying around that you cobbled together? Just curious.

richsadams said:

Interesting choices. AFAIK the hard drive, the enclosure and the cable you've listed have never been used and are not recommended. Did you seek them out specifically and if so, why? Or where they something you had laying around that you cobbled together? Just curious.

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Everyone was using lame 'Green Drives' and I was like F that. Give me a big bad hard drive.

The enclosure looked prettier than the MX-1 and is easier to set up.

And the cable I used is shielded which the SIIG isn't.

Besides, why have the same set up as everyone else. Be an individual.

Joybob said:

Everyone was using lame 'Green Drives' and I was like F that. Give me a big bad hard drive.

The enclosure looked prettier than the MX-1 and is easier to set up.

And the cable I used is shielded which the SIIG isn't.

Besides, why have the same set up as everyone else. Be an individual.

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Okay then. That tells me everything I need to know. :up:

BTW, the SIIG CB-SA0111-S1 cable is in fact shielded.

Extra shielding and metal contacts provide better EMI protection

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Reference:

http://siig.com/ViewProduct.aspx?pn=CB-SA0111-S1

richsadams said:

Okay then. That tells me everything I need to know. :up:

BTW, the SIIG CB-SA0111-S1 cable is in fact shielded.

Reference:

http://siig.com/ViewProduct.aspx?pn=CB-SA0111-S1

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Well my cable is prettier.

Joybob said:

Well my cable is prettier.

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And you have have a drive that is 4 decibels louder than the WD 1TB Green.