Using a USB HDD to Boot an OS: Advice Needed

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the feasibility and considerations of using a USB hard drive to boot an operating system, particularly in the context of personal experiences and technical specifications. Participants explore the reliability of USB HDDs, their compatibility with different operating systems, and performance implications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant shares a negative experience with a previous USB HDD failure and seeks advice on using a new USB HDD for OS storage and booting.
  • Another participant explains that a USB hard drive is essentially an ATA drive in a USB case, suggesting that reliability is dependent on the internal drive rather than the USB interface.
  • Questions are raised about the specifications of the USB HDD, including whether it is USB 2 or 3, and its size (2.5" or 3.5").
  • A participant mentions that while booting from USB drives is generally possible on Macs, it is less common for Windows systems.
  • Another participant counters that they are currently booting from a USB 2 drive, indicating that it is functional but may be slower than other options.
  • Concerns are expressed regarding the compatibility of a USB drive's version of Windows with different hardware, suggesting that it may not be as portable as a Mac boot drive.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the practicality of booting from USB drives, particularly between Windows and Mac systems. There is no consensus on the reliability or performance implications of using USB HDDs for booting an OS.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various factors that could affect the performance and reliability of USB HDDs, including the type of USB interface, drive size, and compatibility with different operating systems. These factors remain unresolved in the discussion.

inotyce
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I would like to buy a USB HDD, e.g http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Transce...lack/3930191.p?id=1218443230635&skuId=3930191
but my experience with USB HDD is limited after one USB HDD (LogicGate) of mine failed to re-operate suddenly and I lost all of my data; and I have never tried out any more USB HDDs since then.

Do you have any advice for me in using a USB HDD to store an OS and have it booted from there ? Like normal lager HDs in most desktop computers ?
 
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A USB hard drive is invariably an ATA drive of some kind in a case with a USB adaptor. If you know what kind of drive is inside the case, its reliability will be the same in a USB case or inside a desktop case. The only difference is that the extra step of going through USB will likely limit the speed of the drive.

Is this USB 2 or 3? Is it a 3.5 inch drive, or 2.5? If 2.5 or smaller, is it bus powered?
 
Algr said:
A USB hard drive is invariably an ATA drive of some kind in a case with a USB adaptor. If you know what kind of drive is inside the case, its reliability will be the same in a USB case or inside a desktop case. The only difference is that the extra step of going through USB will likely limit the speed of the drive.

Is this USB 2 or 3? Is it a 3.5 inch drive, or 2.5? If 2.5 or smaller, is it bus powered?
Thank you :biggrin: it is USB 3 (2.5" sold at $89.99)
 
This will work for Mac's, but for Windows, it is not usually done to try to boot from USB drives.
 
PCs can't boot from USB? Seriously? I'm actually booting from USB 2 right now due to a busted firewire port. System runs fine, but I assume things could be faster.
 
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I didn't say it wouldn't work--but the USB drive's version of Windows probably only works with that particular CPU and hardware. Whereas with a Mac, for example, you could take it to another computer and still use it to boot from. Given that USB drives are often slower, I would not recommend it as a way to boot Windows.