[Ham-Computers] Looking for a Reliable 500 GB Hard Drive

[Ron Youvan]

 >  As the subject says, I’m looking for a reliable hard drive.

> I currently use external hard drives, one for each computer, to back up 
> data.  A pair of USB flash drives is used for sensitive personal data.

> I have read many comments about not relying on one external hard drive 
> for backups; back up the first with a second drive.  Although I have not 
> had any hard drive failures using about 10 drives, these comments made 
> sense.  I decided to purchase a single 500 GB external hard drive for a 
> master backup of all important files.

> After looking for a reliable drive, I can see the reason for these 
> suggestions.  I can’t find a reliable drive, at least when using my 
> criteria. I looked for a reliable 500 GB SATA hard drive by checking 
> ratings at Newegg and Amazon.com.  First, I thought I would select hard 
> drives with many purchasers for better statistical data, count the 
> number of one and two ball ratings, divide by total number who supplied 
> ratings, and multiply by 100 and get an approximate failure rate.

   Why so big, are you backing up encyclopedias?  Why not use CD-Rs and or
DVDrs? (in addition to the one or two HDs you have now)   (you MUST compare
bit for bit before storing them.)

   Drives are rated (by the MFG) in MTBF, usually SCSI are built better.
   I would get a used server that use 6 SCSI hard drives (9.7 gig) in a
raid (5) array, because if one drive fails you replace it and in a few
hours it will rebuild that drive and will be ready for another drive
failure.   (keeping it turned off, they won't likely fail)
-- 
    Ron  KA4INM - NEVER carry a knife to a gun fight.