Cheapest 2TB storage for free outdated laptop

[Fordiesel69]

Got a free mint dell inspirion 15 3542 and any hard drive I would buy, be it either a SSD or spinner HDD will cost $50-90 plus. What other cheaper options. I lost a bid for $25 dollars on a used seagate 2TB HDD.

Needs to be a 2.5" or a USB.

Plan to load my 2TB movie collection on it, and leave it stashed at camp.

 

[cptbarkey]

$86 free shipping.
https://www.newegg.com/silicon-power-2tb-ace-a58/p/N82E16820301488?Item=9SIBDGPK9Y5474

Teamgroup is bottom of the barrel, I had one die prematurely, their warranty process worked but was slow. I'd still avoid.

 

[TheOilWizard]

$86 free shipping.
https://www.newegg.com/silicon-power-2tb-ace-a58/p/N82E16820301488?Item=9SIBDGPK9Y5474

Teamgroup is bottom of the barrel, I had one die prematurely, their warranty process worked but was slow. I'd still avoid.

Failures happen across all brands. Small sample size, but had good luck with Team group SATA SSDs and RAM. Found them to be good value.

 

[Fordiesel69]

Was thinking of using an external drive instead.

 

[cptbarkey]

Was thinking of using an external drive instead.

You can buy an enclosure for any 2.5 SSD and hook up via USB. Smart and you can re-use it with any other machine. Here is an example:

https://a.co/d/fixhU6O

 

[Rand]

you could put in a 250GB ssd for $25
if it doesnt have a ssd boot drive its highly recommended.
then use an external drive for storage.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Sounds like OP is looking for a portable 2 TB drive for under $50. That may be tough unless some crazy sale comes along...

 

[Pew]

Seagate 2TB external

EDIT: but not under $50.

 

[dubber09]

I'd go with an SSD drive and a USB-to-SSD cable if proper portable SSD drive is too expensive for you.
Just keep the drive and cable in a small pouch. I use this approach for work and home use, had a few SSD enclosures go bad on me so stopped using them. Cable is as below:
https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com...prefix=usb+to+ssd,electronics,235&sr=1-4&th=1

 

[Fordiesel69]

Dont need speed of SSD. Highly likely it could get stolen I want super cheap.

One task only = Boot up into windows, and play old skool movies over and HDMI cable to the old outdated TV.

I am now exploring getting an old retired cheap 2TB hard drive and an external enclosure.

 

[ka9mnx]

OS and all programs are on an internal SATA SSD. All work and back ups are kept on external USB platter disks. Platter is cheapest and best for long term storage. They are slower but I haven't had a problem with that. I have a 2Tb platter full of movies attached to the TV's intel NUC and movies play just fine.

 

[PandaBear]

Here's my opinion: you don't benefit from an SSD for movie, let alone a 2TB SSD. Personally I would just put in a 2.5" HDD to store that to save money. SSD's benefit comes from random small file access for home user or serving multiple users random data. Netflix may benefit if they their most popular movie on an SSD to serve 20 viewers at the same time, not having to move the reading head all over the place. You are just one viewer, you are fine using an HDD.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Here's my opinion: you don't benefit from an SSD for movie, let alone a 2TB SSD. Personally I would just put in a 2.5" HDD to store that to save money. SSD's benefit comes from random small file access for home user or serving multiple users random data. Netflix may benefit if they their most popular movie on an SSD to serve 20 viewers at the same time, not having to move the reading head all over the place. You are just one viewer, you are fine using an HDD.

Agreed, although OP didn't say he needed an SSD. He's just looking for the cheapest option.

 

[Rmay635703]

Was thinking of using an external drive instead.

They are very slow for random access but they work fine for storing pictures and movies

 

[Saturnguy]

Western Digital Passport drive…

2 TB is around $90…

My usual supplier is NewEgg, but be careful, make sure the seller is NewEgg..

Look at your USB port on your laptop.
Blue tongue, USB 3, much faster

 

[Rmay635703]

Western Digital Passport drive…

My usual supplier is NewEgg, but be careful, make sure the seller is NewEgg..

It’s too bad that isn’t illegal, just like Walmart.com being 1% Walmart products

 

[Bottom_Feeder]

https://www.amazon.com/Western-Digital-Elements-Portable-External/dp/B06W55K9N6

$70 from Amazon proper is about as good as you're going to find for something new that's 2TB.


https://www.amazon.com/ORICO-External-Enclosure-Supported-25PW1-U3/dp/B0B936SLST

$7 for a 2.5" enclosure from a known decent company from their own Amazon storefront. Put whatever you want in it.

 

[Wingo]

https://www.amazon.com/Western-Digital-Elements-Portable-External/dp/B06W55K9N6

$70 from Amazon proper is about as good as you're going to find for something new that's 2TB.


https://www.amazon.com/ORICO-External-Enclosure-Supported-25PW1-U3/dp/B0B936SLST

$7 for a 2.5" enclosure from a known decent company from their own Amazon storefront. Put whatever you want in it.

There is currently a used option for the Amazon drive, 40 bucks.

 

[Rmay635703]

Seagate 2TB external

EDIT: but not under $50.

I got a 2TB Toshiba external HD for $20 on clearance a couple years ago from Walland, only benefit is cheap, very slow drive

 

[PandaBear]

It’s too bad that isn’t illegal, just like Walmart.com being 1% Walmart products

Why is it illegal?