[HalfwayHose]

Hi All,

I have a DVR that uses a 3.5" HDD. The HDD is having reliability problems and I have a spare 2.5" (laptop) HDD that I could use.

Anyone know where I can get a cable-adapter that will plug into the 3.5" MOBO socket (power and data) on the DVR and then accept a 2.5" drive (power and data) plugged in at the other end?

Thanks

[DoubleHelix]

There are, of course, adapters to connect the drive to your computer, but you're not going to be able to pull data from the DVR drive. It's copy protected.

[HalfwayHose]

Originally Posted by DoubleHelix

but you're not going to be able to pull data from the DVR drive. It's copy protected.

Ummm, nope, careful with thos assumpions DH. Not all DVRs are used to replay TV. Pretty much every modern security camera system will have at least one DVR. It is such a system that I need to replace the HDD. If I can use the 2.5" then it will save me a bunch of bucks as I am guessing an adapter cable will only be a few bucks -- *if* I can find one. So far my searches have been empty.

So, lemme ask the question again. Any idea where I can get an adapter cable?

[Triple6]

SATA drives use the exact same connectors on 2.5" and 3.5" drives, no adapter's needed. Unless you have an older PATA(IDE) system in which case there are adapters for that. Would be useful if you posted the exact model of the DVR and the hard drives you have to see what you are dealing with.

[DaveBurnett]

'Would be "useless" if you posted......'.

Rough night Rob??

Adapters should be easy to find although SATA to IDE tend to be a little circuit board - and you can get vertical and horizontal ones designed for different applications.

[Triple6]

Originally Posted by DaveBurnett

'Would be "useless" if you posted......'.

Rough night Rob??

Adapters should be easy to find although SATA to IDE tend to be a little circuit board - and you can get vertical and horizontal ones designed for different applications.

Opps, that was meant to say "Useful".

[HalfwayHose]

Thanks Guys,

The DVR is a proprietary unit with no names anywhere I can find. I bought it surplus ($25) as old equipment removed from a Mall somewhere in the US. The HDD is a Seagate 2.5" 500G hybrid laptop drive, not sure of the number as I am at work and the drive is home.

It is a current model, but I don't see how knowing the model might changes things, It is SATA III which will fall back to match the bus which I guess is SATA I, or maybe II.

When I originally posted, I did not have the DVR here. It was in transit but the spec sheet showed "Faulty SATA 3.5 HDD" and that's why I asked, hoping I could use the Seagate. But wondered if I would need an adapter, the seller said they thought I might.

[DaveBurnett]

All you need to do is take the cover off the DVR and look to see what the hard drive is.
I've swapped the drives in many as they tend to overheat and die.
I usually replace the 3.5 drive with a 2.5 one as they are better able to cope, are quieter, and usually use less power.

[HalfwayHose]

Thanks Dave. It all went as you suggested. No adapter needed. I have also added a 3" fan to the box.