Differences between pre-built external HD and Enclosure+HD

[Caiyuo]

Are there any differences, aside from pre-installed software that might come with the former? It seems a little cheaper to go the enclosure route as well as being able to choose a specific model HD, but have never needed an external hard drive until now.

Newegg also seems to have a limited amount of eSATA pre-built externals as opposed to the many multi-interface enclosures they have. Planning to use between multiple computers, though also considering a NAS option if an affordable option were available.

Thanks for any help!

[Minions]

Are there any differences, aside from pre-installed software that might come with the former? It seems a little cheaper to go the enclosure route as well as being able to choose a specific model HD, but have never needed an external hard drive until now.

Newegg also seems to have a limited amount of eSATA pre-built externals as opposed to the many multi-interface enclosures they have. Planning to use between multiple computers, though also considering a NAS option if an affordable option were available.

Thanks for any help!

Drives are the same, most are laptop hard drives. They have a connector and chip that allows it to get power via usb. Some enclosures come with that chip in them, you just plug your drive in. They also have ones for non laptop hard drives, however most if not all require an outside power source to power them.

Other than that they are basically the same.

[Caiyuo]

Thank you! I really just wanted assurance that I wasn't secretly screwing myself over by buying an enclosure and a decent hard drive given all the sales I've been seeing for OEMs lately and your post achieved that, so thanks again.

[Rellikard]

Well gives you cheaper buying options. If the enclosure or HDD ever goes bad, can just replace that 1 piece as opposed to both.

[Minions]

I've broken apart many external HD's. Just recently one failed... (it was not the drive) I had used a previous drive from an external in my carpc. So I just replaced the board that gives the drive power with the one from the previous drive, and it was fixed. Before you go an think your external HD failed, a lot of the time it is just that board/chip that gives it power.