Got my IDE > USB cable today.

**d_sellers1** · 10-02-2004, 02:18 PM

I just got my GWC USB 2.0 to IDE Adapter Cable Accessory from NewEgg today.

It comes with the USB adapter, 2.5" adapter, power supply (+5V & +12VDC Molex from 110-240VAC), and a flexible IDE-M to IDE-F adapter (useful for hooking up to a drive already installed in a computer). (Note the flexible adapter is not shown in the pictures and I do not know what the plug coming off the Molex plug is/can be used for).

First thing I did was test it out on a 2.5" untested 20GB Toshiba hard drive. Hooked the 2.5" adapter to the drive, the USB adapter to the 2.5" adapter, plugged in power to the wall, and connected the Molex plugs to give the drive power. Then I plug in the USB to my computer. I had the driver disk ready to go but Windows did not need the driver disk! My laptop recognized the drive and it was shown in My Computer. I didn't want anything off this drive so I formatted it and will probably use it in my CarPC.

Next test I did involved my server. I had 3 harddrives and 2 optical drives (not including the Zip Drive and IDE-HD Bay that aren't hooked up). I can only run 2 harddrives and the 2 optical drives at a time. Since the third harddrive was already installed, this time I used the flexible IDE-M to IDE-F adapter between the USB adapter and the harddrive. Drive power was gotten from the power supply. I then plugged in the USB plug in to the computer. Again, Windows saw the new device and loaded it without any new drivers.

All in all, I am pleased with this product. The only thing I don't like is the skimpy instruction manual which really doesn't say much of anything. The only word of caution I would like to say is be careful not to bend any pins. It's real easy to do if you're not careful and could cause some problems.

EDIT: Oh yeah, forgot to mention on both systems the OS is Windows XP Pro SP2.

Derek

**hannibal** · 10-02-2004, 06:30 PM

I'm kinda confused about whats included with this. The blue cable is a USB to desktop 40pin IDE adapter. And youre saying there's also a 2.5" 44pin laptop IDE to 40pin desktop IDE adapter too?
I'm looking for something to convert my laptop DVD/CD-RW to USB. If I bought this, I would still need an adapter to convert from laptop optical drive to desktop 40pin IDE, correct? Did you test this with any optical drives, desktop or slim laptop?

**d_sellers1** · 10-05-2004, 12:52 PM

Originally Posted by hannibal

I'm kinda confused about whats included with this. The blue cable is a USB to desktop 40pin IDE adapter. And youre saying there's also a 2.5" 44pin laptop IDE to 40pin desktop IDE adapter too?
I'm looking for something to convert my laptop DVD/CD-RW to USB. If I bought this, I would still need an adapter to convert from laptop optical drive to desktop 40pin IDE, correct? Did you test this with any optical drives, desktop or slim laptop?

Describe the 'laptop optical drive' cable. Not familiar with it. For bonus points, if you could take a picture, that would be better. I will try to take a picture of the 2.5" adapter that was included when I get home tonight. I will also try to hook up to a DVD-Rom and a DVD+/-RW and see what that outcome it. I'm pretty sure this is what a lot of people use to make their slim laptop drives USB compatible. Will keep ya posted.

Derek