How to Convert an Internal SATA to an External SATA

There are numerous reasons to convert an internal SATA hard drive to an external drive. These reasons can include setting up an external backup drive, making use of an older hard drive from a previous computer, or storing large amounts of media to move from one computer to another. There are three main ways to make this conversion. They include external hard drive enclosures, hard drive docks (a base that allows you to plug an internal drive into it like a disk), and a USB to SATA adapter. The level of difficulty varies from method to method.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• External hard drive enclosure (section 1)
• SATA hard drive dock (Section 2)
• USB to SATA adapter cable (Section 3)
• SATA hard drive
• Screwdriver

External Hard Drive Enclosure

1. Purchase an external hard drive enclosure. These are available at most electronic stores such as Best Buy and Radio Shack, as well as a wide range of computer supply webpages.

2. Open the empty enclosure. The method varies from model to model and can require the removal of a few screws or by pressing some retention clips.

3. Insert the hard drive into the open enclosure.

4. Connect the SATA cable and the power supply cables to the hard drive.

5. Return the cover to the enclosure and secure it using the screws or clips.

6. Connect the USB connection to your computer. Your computer should recognize the hard drive as a mass storage device automatically.

SATA Hard Drive Dock

7. Purchase a hard drive dock. These docks also can be found at most electronic stores as well as computer supply websites.

8. Plug the dock into a wall outlet and connect the USB cable to your computer.

9. Insert the hard drive into the dock. (This method is very similar to the older gaming systems where the gaming cartridge was plugged into the top of the gaming console.) Once plugged in, you computer should automatically recognize the drive as a mass storage device.

USB to SATA Adapter Cable

10. Purchase a USB to SATA adapter cable. These adapters are primarily available at computer supply websites such as TigerDirect.com.

11. Plug the power cord into an outlet.

12. Plug the adapter into the back of the hard drive.

13. Plug the other end of the adapter into an available USB port on your computer.

14. Plug the other end of the power cord into the hard drive. Your computer should automatically recognize the drive as a mass storage device.

Tips & Warnings

• Always check the instructions with whatever conversion tool that you use. With some converters, you may need to set the jumpers in the hard drive to a specific setting. * The jumpers are in between the power port and the ribbon cable port. They usually are displayed like this: --> [ : : : : ]
• Never store your hard drives near magnets. Doing this can damage the hard drive.

References

• How to: external hard drive enclosure
• HDD Dock review
• USB to SATA info page