External HDDs

[chedz]

I'm using an older slim HTPC as the DVR for my 4 x Dahua cameras, and there's no room inside the case for an HDDs (it's been taken up by a 1060 GPU.
What's the best way to connect external HDDs so I can record around 2 weeks of footage from all cameras?

 

[TonyR]

What's the best way to connect external HDDs so I can record around 2 weeks of footage from all cameras?

Use eSATA.
Install eSATA card in PC, use external 3.5" HDD enclosure with eSATA interface, connect PC to enclosure with eSATA cable.
Use surveillance-rated 3.5" HDD such as WD Purple.

 

[IReallyLikePizza2]

If the external drive supports UASP, you should be just fine to do it over USB

 

[TonyR]

If the external drive supports UASP, you should be just fine to do it over USB

If over USB I would insure that it is at least USB 3.0 so that transfer rates (5.0Gbit/s) would be at least on par with eSATA (>5.0Gbit/s).

 

[chedz]

Something like this a good solution?

https://www.mwave.com.au/product/silverstone-fs305e-3x-525-bay-to-5x-2535-sas12gsata-hdd-converter-ac67034

 

[samplenhold]

From what I can see for that device, it seems to be made to be installed in a PC case that has three 5.25" bays side by side. Each HDD would need a separate SATA connection back to the motherboard. For power, it is driven by the PC's power supply, either using the SATA power connector or a 4-pin Molex connector.

 

[samplenhold]

One problem I have found when trying to find an external HDD case, either USB or eSATA, is that the problem is none of them seem to be able to power up on their own after a power outage. They have to be turned on by the switch. Some of them need to be powered up prior to the PC being powered up for the PC to find and mount the external drives.