Which external hard drive to choose for PC?
To be equipped with an external hard drive, you have to buy it, which is not easy. Which external hard drive to choose? You just have to know that the best hard drives belong to the most requested brands which are the Toshiba, Western Digital Elements, Seagate. But several other brands are also popular and some models have an elegant design. In addition, they can be used with Raspberry Pi, computers and even tablets.
The storage capacity is generally 500GB, 1TB , 2TB and 3TB. It can go up to 4TB and even more today.
The portable external hard drive is housed in a shockproof case, formatted from the factory, equipped with its USB cable.
You have to know how to choose and buy your equipment at the best price (since it exists) and cheap in some market models with an attractive value for money.
In IT, we use the following devices:
- Storage media for computer,
- Compact for Xbox One and for Sony PS3 and PS4,
- the one used as storage server.
Seagate Expansion Portable
Remaining compatible with USB 2.0 although it is made for USB 3.0. The transfer of files is quick with Seagate or Seagate Backup.
The Seagate range consists of:
- Maxtor
- Duet
- PortableBackup Plus
- Wireless plus mobile storage media
- Portable Expansion and Expansion Plus
- Fast SSD
The Seagate portable hard drive is not expensive. It can be found on the net at the best price.
Here are some features:
- Very fast transfers,
- Compatible with USB 3.0 and 2.0,
- Connects directly,
- Reformable NTFS file system,
- USB port.
- Plug-And-Play Function.
Toshiba Canvio Basics
The Toshiba Canvio Basics allows:
- Broadband transfers,
Thanks to USB 3.0 technology, this type is much faster than with USB 2.0 technology. However, it remains compatible with USB 2.0,
- Simple plug-and-play operation,
It is ready for use with Microsoft Windows without the need for any software. Intuitive drag and drop is a must,
- Putting data in a safe place,
Indeed, it provides a secure and reliable location for all kinds of data.
Specifications are as follows:
- Very fast transfer speed 5 Gbits/s,
- Plug-and-play function,
- Compact case,
- Configuration : W10-W8.1-W8-W7,
- Available port USB 3.0 or 2.0,
- 750 MHz processor or higher,
- NTFS file system,
- Reformatting possible for Mac,
- Capacities 500 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB, 3 TB and 4 TB,
- Available color: black.
Toshiba Canvio Connect II
The Toshiba Canvio Connect II allows:
- to prevent unauthorized access to personal information thanks to a small security software included which secures the hard disk with a unique password,
- to save data using the same software,
- very fast transfers,
The main features are:
- The same as the Basics,
- Except that the 500 GB does not exist,
- Four colors: black, red, blue and white.
Toshiba Canvio Advance
The Toshiba Canvio Advance allows:
- a complete backup solution thanks to preloaded software,
- quick recovery of files and folders,
- Compatibility is automatic with Mac thanks to an NTFS driver,
Supplied in a compact case to run without software or utility, it is equipped with Plug and Play function,
Thanks to the internal shock detector and Ramp-Load technology which removes the read/write heads, the stored data is protected during movement.
The main features are:
- Very fast transfers,
- Plug-and-play function,
- Compact case,
- Configuration : W10-W8.1-W8-W7,
- Available port USB 3.0 or 2.0,
- 750 MHz processor or higher,
- Available in 500 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB, 2.5 TB and 4 TB,
- Colors: black, white, red, blue and beige.
Western Digital Elements
Features
Western Digital is compatible with new USB 3.0 devices and remains compatible with those equipped with the USB 2.0 format. Connected to a USB 3.0 port, it offers high read and write speed. In addition, it is impact resistant, durable and reliable in the long term. Disc starts after use.
Western Digital's range consists of:
- My Passport
- My Passport SSD
- My Passport Ultra
- My Passport for Mac
- WD Elements SE
The price is generally not expensive and the choice is made here on the principle of the best price.
Let us quote some characteristics:
- Hot change,
- Interface: USB 3.0 - USB 2.0,
- Size: 2.5 ",
- Configuration : W10-W8.1-W8-W7,
- Data transfer rate in USB 2.0: 480 Mbit/s,
- Data transfer rate in USB 3.0: 5000 Mbit/s.
Growing brands
In this range of "various" names, we have found 3 excellent brands of Chinese manufacture whose value for money is very interesting.
The three brands of similar products have entered the markets. They are popular in Asia and are starting to sell on major platforms on the net.
Blueendless
The Blueendless product is as follows:
- HDD without installation software,
- Compatible with all operating systems,
- Compatible with USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 without addition,
- 4 colors, black, red, blue and silver.
Acasis
The article in the Acasis range has the following properties:
- HDD,
- Interface type USB 3.0,
- Existing capacities, 750 GB, 1 TB and 2 TB,
- 5 colors, silver, pink, black, red and blue.
Kesu
Its presents himself with:
- Storage capacity from 160 GB to 2 TB,
- Interface type USB 3.0,
- 7 colors, black, red, silver, pink, gray, green and blue.
Which one to choose?
Which 1to external hard drive to choose ? Before any purchase, this question is legitimate. All the details are presented to the consumer and the final choice is up to him:
- one or two USB ports,
- USB C or USB 3.0 interface,
- possible encryption,
- bulky storage,
- a product compatible with all peripherals,
- a connector, an adapter in addition,
- compatibility with all devices,
- a large cache memory,
- sata i, sata ii, or sata iii.
The best external hard drive on the market is one that is simple with several necessary features including USB-C connectivity and less superfluous. This type of object exists. Its purchase cost is good and its value for money is interesting. In addition, it can be used everywhere and especially with Raspberry
Choice for "Gaming"
The product is necessary if the storage space of your PS4 or your Xbox is limited. In both cases, any USB 3.0 compatible hard drive with a minimum capacity of 256 GB is suitable (a game occupies up to 60 GB).
A configuration is necessary as well as some restrictions exist.