Portable Hard Drives (HDD)

What are the Differences Between Internal and External Hard Drives?

Internal and external hard drives utilise many of the same core components to store your data, such as spinning magnetic platters and read/write heads mounted on an actuator arm. They do, however, feature some differences that affect the performance they can deliver, as listed below:

• Installation As their name suggests, internal hard drives are generally located within a PC. To install an HDD, you need to open the case, find the mounting point, and attach the required power and data cables. An external drive, on the other hand, is a plug and play device, simply requiring USB for connectivity. Some external drives also need a dedicated power source.
• Connectivity An internal hard drive utilises a SATA cable that directly connects to your motherboard. Using the latest standard, an internal drive boasts data transfer rates up to 6Gbps. Alternatively, an external hard drive can use a range of connectivity options, including eSATA, Thunderbolt, and USB. Generally, the most common connection is USB, with many portable hard drives utilising USB 3.2 which delivers data transfer speeds of up to 5Gbps.
• Portability As they are stored within a computer, an internal hard drive is rather limited in how portable they are. There are some exceptions to this, as these drives can be utilised in computers that boast hot swap capabilities or in external storage enclosures. However, transporting the drive like this risks damage from knocks and bumps. External hard drives are designed to be highly portable, and they feature an outer case that keeps them safe from harm when in transit.
• Power Delivery An internal drive draws all its power directly from a computer’s PSU, while an external hard drive may require additional power. This is usually achieved through a power adapter that plugs into the mains.