How to connect an old HDD to USB?

Can anyone tell me if the cables in this order will do the trick:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005...rch-mainSearch

for an old drive like this one: https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-qfza...979468.jpg?c=2?

I'm a little worried about the power supply. Unlike connecting a laptop drive, I've realized this specific model needs its own dedicated power. Looking at these photos, I can't quite figure out how that extra power connects—am I going to need to hunt down another cable?

Nah, it’s gotta have its own power supply since it's a 3.5-inch drive. It needs that 12v line.

Thanks. Now the real question: how on earth am I going to get those 12V to it? 😁

Maybe you should just double-check those HDD mounting brackets

To run this from a laptop, you would technically need a step-up converter to jump from 5V to 12V, though I have my doubts whether a standard USB port can actually provide sufficient amperage.
It would be far more efficient and cost-effective to simply purchase a dedicated 12V stabilized power supply—aim for at least 1.5A, or perhaps even higher, similar to those used for security camera systems—and then solder on a Molex connector. Any seasoned electronics hobbyist could handle this task without any significant trouble.



Connect the black wire (negative) and the yellow wire (positive 12V) to the red wire from the USB (standard 5V), and ensure you also connect it to the black negative wire.

When plugging things in, always plug the USB connection in first to establish the ground (GND). And for heaven's sake, do not plug or unplug anything while the computer is running. It isn't strictly necessary, but Murphy is law... things tend to go sideways exactly when you need them to work most.

amberhound8 said:just grab an external HDD enclosure

👍

You need to purchase a 3.5" external USB enclosure that comes equipped with its own dedicated power supply if you actually want to achieve what people call a "portable" drive.

That said, small-form-factor drives have become so incredibly cheap and ubiquitous that massive desktop towers feel like an outdated relic of a bygone era, though you should be able to find exactly what you need on Amazon.