@JAlexandra I agree with ejn63. Laptop-sized hard drives can be powered from a USB connector, so assuming the hard drive is still properly functioning, a basic SATA to USB adapter should be all that you need. Other adapters come with external power supplies because those are required if you're using a 3.5" "desktop class" hard drive, which requires more power than can typically be provided over USB, but if you don't care about being able to use those, that's just additional cost and bulk you can avoid. And still other adapters have support for other connector types. But if you're just focused on working the particular drive that was installed in your XPS, then a simple inexpensive cable like this one will get the job done. Sabrent is a solid vendor. I have a few products of theirs and I've been happy with them.
The system uses a standard SATA drive - all you need is a desktop system with a SATA cable and free power connector, or a SATA to USB adapter or enclosure.
Thank you @jphughan so much for your super informative answer and especially for the link! That makes a lot more sense to me now, because I was seeing adapters that were for desktop-based hard drives and getting confused!
jphughan
9 Legend
•
14K Posts
1
May 11th, 2020 15:00
@JAlexandra I agree with ejn63. Laptop-sized hard drives can be powered from a USB connector, so assuming the hard drive is still properly functioning, a basic SATA to USB adapter should be all that you need. Other adapters come with external power supplies because those are required if you're using a 3.5" "desktop class" hard drive, which requires more power than can typically be provided over USB, but if you don't care about being able to use those, that's just additional cost and bulk you can avoid. And still other adapters have support for other connector types. But if you're just focused on working the particular drive that was installed in your XPS, then a simple inexpensive cable like this one will get the job done. Sabrent is a solid vendor. I have a few products of theirs and I've been happy with them.
ejn63
10 Elder
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30.7K Posts
1
May 11th, 2020 13:00
The system uses a standard SATA drive - all you need is a desktop system with a SATA cable and free power connector, or a SATA to USB adapter or enclosure.
speedstep
9 Legend
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47K Posts
0
May 11th, 2020 15:00
You need a Sata Wire.
https://apricorn.com/sata-wire-3
JAlexandra
3 Posts
0
May 11th, 2020 16:00
Thank you @ejn63 I was confused about that!
JAlexandra
3 Posts
0
May 11th, 2020 16:00
Thank you @jphughan so much for your super informative answer and especially for the link! That makes a lot more sense to me now, because I was seeing adapters that were for desktop-based hard drives and getting confused!
also thank you to @speedstep !