Franken 3.5" drive

[adam9c1]

I have a older Mac Mini that I'm thinking of using as a TM backup.
I have a 2GB 3.5" that would suit this.
Has anyone franken a 3.5" drive on top a Mini


I'm thinking of getting a data doubler (removing the opti and inserting that there), then using sata cable for data, and external USB power supply cable for power.

the 3.5 drive would be covered with a fake mini top case.

This would give me SATAII speed for the time machine.

 

[ActionableMango]

I don't think a standard USB port has enough amps to start up a 3.5" drive. 500mA won't even start up a lot of older 2.5" drives.

I remember when I had an early bus-powered 2.5" drive that I had to use a USB y-cable (one leg data/power and the other leg power only) in order to get enough power to it. On more modern USB ports that are capable of higher than 500mA output, it could work fine with a normal cable.

But that's 2.5". 3.5" drives use much more power to spin up.

 

[DeltaMac]

Why not just get a case that already looks like a mini?
http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/ministack
You can buy that without a hard drive, and install your own.

 

[adam9c1]

Budget concerns. I do have a whole external USB 2.0 setup (minus shell) from a WD drive.