USB 2.0 vs. Firewire: Pros & Cons for External HD

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the comparison between USB 2.0 and Firewire interfaces for external hard drives, particularly in the context of video editing and data storage needs. Participants explore the performance, compatibility, and practical considerations of each interface, as well as alternative options like SATA and eSATA.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that while USB 2.0 has a higher theoretical bandwidth, Firewire tends to perform better in practice, especially for video editing tasks.
  • There is a suggestion to consider SATA hard drives, with a participant mentioning the differences between SATA and SATA II drives, and the impact of RPM on access speed.
  • Compatibility is highlighted as a significant factor, with Firewire being necessary for interfacing with certain video cameras and other equipment.
  • One participant mentions that many external drives are available in both USB and Firewire versions, and emphasizes the importance of compatibility with other devices.
  • There are recommendations for eSATA as a faster alternative for video editing, with some participants sharing positive experiences with Firewire 800 drives for handling large data transfers.
  • Participants discuss the option of using internal SATA drives with external enclosures that support various interfaces, including USB and Firewire.
  • Concerns are raised about the cost-effectiveness of buying internal drives and enclosures versus pre-packaged external drives.
  • One participant mentions the ability to hot swap external SATA drives without rebooting, highlighting their speed and reliability.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the performance and practicality of USB 2.0 versus Firewire, as well as the cost-effectiveness of internal drives with enclosures. There is no clear consensus on which interface is superior, and multiple competing views remain regarding the best choice for external hard drives.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss various factors such as compatibility with existing equipment, performance in specific use cases like video editing, and the potential cost implications of different purchasing options. Some assumptions about performance and cost-effectiveness are not fully explored or resolved.

jmnew51
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My girlfriend and I are contemplating purchasing a new computer. She is studying filmaking and needs a faster more up to date system than we are currently using. Chances are we will be purchasing an additional external hard drive so she can save her work at school and bring it home to continue to work on it. And video files and all those layers before finalizing take up gargantuan amounts of hard disk space. hence the need for an ext. HD. Question is is to get an ext. HD that interfaces using a firewire or a standard USB 2.0. She says everyone at school uses a firewire on their HD. But I thought that firewire wasn't as fast as USB 2.0. What are the pros and cons of either/or. I see that most ext. hd's are USB 2.0. But if firewire is better, no problem. I'm just not that knowledgeable with either of them, so I need a little advice.
Thanx
Jim
 
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USB 2.0's thoretical bandwidth is higher, but firewire tends to perform better. The difference either way is relatively small, though.

However, you may want to consider a SATA hard drive...
 
Thanx for the info. I didn't think there was a big difference.
I'm glad you mentioned that about hard drives. What are the differences between the different hard drives? Besides the obvious. I noticed there are just hard drives, then there are sata hard drives. Then I also saw sata II hard drives. And I guess the faster the rpm the faster the access speed? Just another area I'm a little fuzzy on. If you could give me a little info that would be great.
Thanx
Jim
 
Almost any hard drive you buy today (external) is going to be available in both USB and Firewire versions. If all you're concerned about is disk access, I really wouldn't prefer either over the other as far as performance. However, USB 2.0 is available standard on almost every PC these days, but Firewire is often an additional expense.

You need to think about compatibility, too. Firewire is needed to interface with a lot of video cameras, etc. She might also want to be able to plug someone else's drive into her computer. If everyone is using Firewire, then it might be a good reason to get Firewire, too.

- Warren
 
Yes I think it was more of a compatibility issue with her. Cuz her lab partner is using firewire, it would probably be safest just to stick with that. And yes the mini-dv she will be using interfaces using firewire. A lot of puters I looked at had firewire and USB and weren't too pricey. But I could probably just install a card if it's not equiped.
Thanx for the info guys.
Jim
 
For video editing eSata is the way to go IMHO.
There are already external drives that support eSata and otherwise, which is often cheaper, you can buy an internal Sata drive and an external case that supports eSata.
 
... getting a SATA drive would sound good, but if you're going external I've had very pleasant experiences running firewire 800 drives. Have found the interface really "stable" when requiring as much bandwidth as possible with 'huge chunks' of data (like occationally when running some calculation directly to an external drive, moving post-processing databases etc. ... ). So if you need to get some related equipment get 800 over the 400 if possible imho (usually have both ports and even usb pretty often). Although am going to get an eSATA next once some models am waiting for become available.
 
you can buy an internal Sata drive and an external case that supports eSata.

Do you mean that I can buy a regular internal HD and put it into this case that adapts it and makes it function as an external drive for USB or firewire??

Jim
 
Yes.
Or you can get the case and drive for either USB or firewire.
Some setups suport both USB and firewire.

They make a nice backup device for video files over 2gig.
20 minutes of DV video off a camera is around 10 gig on the HD.
 
  • #10
Cool. Thanx for all the great info folks. I'm sure buying an internal drive with one of those external adapter hookups would sure save a lot of money also. Not to mention having a drive that could that could function as an internal as well as an external.

Jim
 
  • #11
You won't save much money by buying an internal drive + an enclosure. In fact, the opposite might be true. The benefit of the enclosure is that it gives you more flexibility.

- Warren
 
  • #12
We use external SATA at work. They are very fast and I've never had a complaint. Can hot swap them without rebooting the computer too.

A drive enclosure costs about $40 that includes a connection for USB 2.0, Firewire, and external Sata...pretty much every option is there. Look up the Vantec enclosures.
 
  • #13
triden said:
We use external SATA at work. They are very fast and I've never had a complaint. Can hot swap them without rebooting the computer too.

A drive enclosure costs about $40 that includes a connection for USB 2.0, Firewire, and external Sata...pretty much every option is there. Look up the Vantec enclosures.
I second that, the Vantecs are not only good priced but they are also pretty good looking, available in red and blue.