I found a really good deal on a 14TB external hard drive. I'm wondering, can I take it out of the plastic casing and install the drive directly into my PC? What should I consider before doing this?
4 Answers
Usually, you can. The process is often referred to as 'shucking.' Just make sure you're careful about the specific drive model. If it's a large capacity like 14TB, it's likely straightforward—these often just use a SATA-USB adapter.
Check the specifications; many external drives use standard connectors, but some might have a proprietary controller. That said, if the price seems amazing, do your research. Make sure to ask the seller for more details on the drive's condition.
It really depends on the drive. Some external drives are just enclosures made for an internal drive with a USB to SATA adapter, which means you'd be able to use the drive inside your PC without any issues. However, others might have a custom setup that won't work when you remove it from the case.
Since it's a 14TB drive, there's a good chance that you won't run into issues with a bespoke board. Just be cautious of the deal—if it looks too good to be true, it might be a scam. Sometimes sellers wipe the SMART attributes to make a drive seem functional when it isn't.
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