[blhirsch]

I have a 200GB "Ultra Series" 7200 RPM Ultra ATA/133 drive that I got for $19.99 during Black Friday last year. Still shrinkwrapped.

I kept meaning to throw it into one of my DirecTivos, but never got around to it (one had enough space already from a previous upgrade I did when I initially modified them for networking but the other one never needed it, what with MRV and all.)

I'd like to use the drive to expand this new Tivo, but wasn't sure if it would work. So, two questions:

1. Is this drive compatible with eSATA drive expansion?
2. What enclosure should I get to make it work?

 

[MirclMax]

I recommend the information in the sticky at the top of the forum.

http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=350510

 

[blhirsch]

Thanks. And have fun storming the castle.

 

[MickeS]

The information you seek is in the very first post of the thread that blhirsch linked to, as far as I can tell.

 

[blhirsch]

The information you seek is in the very first post of the thread that blhirsch linked to, as far as I can tell.

You mean MiraclMax?

Yeah, I read the post, it does have the information. That's why I thanked him.

I think my reply has the potential to read snarkily. Unintended. I was actually genuinely thanking him. And then making a Miracle Max reference!

 

[MickeS]

You mean MiraclMax?

D'oh!

 

[drew00001]

D'oh!

lol

 

[drew00001]

I have a 200GB "Ultra Series" 7200 RPM Ultra ATA/133 . . .
1. Is this drive compatible with eSATA drive expansion?

Is that an IDE drive? If so, it will probably be harder to find an eSATA enclosure for. That info should be in the sticky.

 

[MirclMax]

You mean MiraclMax?

Yeah, I read the post, it does have the information. That's why I thanked him.

I think my reply has the potential to read snarkily. Unintended. I was actually genuinely thanking him. And then making a Miracle Max reference!

Just so you know, I took it genuinely and appreciated the quote

 

[blhirsch]

Is that an IDE drive? If so, it will probably be harder to find an eSATA enclosure for. That info should be in the sticky.

It's a '3.5" ATA/EIDE' drive. Ultra ATA/133. Is this a problem drive, or am I good to go with any of those listed eSATA enclosures?

 

[bkdtv]

It's a '3.5" ATA/EIDE' drive. Ultra ATA/133. Is this a problem drive, or am I good to go with any of those listed eSATA enclosures?

No, the enclosures listed are for SATA drives. The Series3 and TivoHD have an SATA interface (eSATA for external storage), not an ATA interface. You will need some sort of enclosure with a ATA -> SATA bridge (converter).

 

[blhirsch]

No, the enclosures listed are for SATA drives. The Series3 and TivoHD have an SATA interface (eSATA for external storage), not an ATA interface. You will need some sort of enclosure with a ATA -> SATA bridge (converter).

Grr. Well, off go to run some google searches. Thanks!

 

[drew00001]

There is one enclosure on Newegg that has an IDE internal interface and eSATA external interface. It may work.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817155218

On a separate note, are you sure you want to test this out . . . especially with a 200GB? Personally, I wouldn't be first to test anything unless I was going to dramatically increase storage space. If I were you, I would take advantage of others efforts (i.e., buy equipment recomended on 1st page of sticky).

 

[CCourtney]

Here's another on Newegg. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817145027

The selections are slim pickings.

That said I completely agree with drew's comments. I'd at least go out and grab a 500Gb drive for < $100 (WD or Hitachi if you want to use the AAM features to keep the noise down})

I believe the most popular eSata enclosure are the Apricorn EZ Bus DTS EKIT that's listed as a tested enclosure
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817362002

A new up and comer is the Roswill RX 358-S but it's not listed (I'm considering buying it.)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817173043

Then take the 200GB drive and eBay it for ~$50 + S&H

CCourtney

 

[greg_burns]

I believe the most popular eSata enclosure are the Apricorn EZ Bus DTS EKIT that's listed as a tested enclosure
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817362002

Maybe it is, but I thought most were leaning towards the Antec MX-1 (that's what I got).

 

[drew00001]

Maybe it is, but I thought most were leaning towards the Antec MX-1 (that's what I got).

I got an MX-1 too. I know others were using the Apricorn, but thought the MX-1 was far more popular . . . not sure if there has ever been a poll.

 

[jfh3]

Based on my experience and that of others in related threads, I would say that the MX-1 is the top choice. VERY quiet, great cooling. A little more $ than other choices, but you get what you pay for.

 

[gweempose]

Based on my experience and that of others in related threads, I would say that the MX-1 is the top choice. VERY quiet, great cooling. A little more $ than other choices, but you get what you pay for.

I agree 100%. In my opinion, the MX-1/DB35 combo is the way to go. It may be pricier than some other solutions, but it's cool, quiet and, most importantly, extremely reliable.