12 HDDs in custom made rack 4 x 3

I am thinking about making a 12 drawer metal rack for 12 HDDs(getting one everyonce and awhile...probably not getting a total of 12 but still)These HDDs would be SATA or IDE hooked up to a 12 port switch.Then have the switch hooked up USB style into my computer(somehow change IDE to USB)..when i press 2 on the switch i go to HDD 2 on the rack and have a powersupply with enough cables for 12 HDDs.and have the rack drawers slidable so i can take a HDD out easily

Is There a IDE switch for sale anywhere? or could i make one easily? and would this all work?:confused:

The rack would be 4x3(height x width)

I think it is a cool idea :)

thanks in advance for help :)
 
I dont think you can simply "switch" drives while your in windows, the only way to do that is if you restart your computer. Why not just hook them all up via USB?
 
well ya i could do it that way..but i don't want 12 external HDDs i want them on a rack
is there anyother way...like some converter i could buy? or something
 
liuliuboy said:
HDD > IDE > USB/firewire would be done by using an external encloser
or you can take the converter out of it, that way you dont need to have it enclosed.

But if you have around 12 drives, you would need a USB hub. So you would hook all your hard drives up to the hub via USB, and they will appear under "my computer".
 
skateforjondoe said:
I am thinking about making a 12 drawer metal rack for 12 HDDs(getting one everyonce and awhile...probably not getting a total of 12 but still)These HDDs would be SATA or IDE hooked up to a 12 port switch.Then have the switch hooked up USB style into my computer(somehow change IDE to USB)..when i press 2 on the switch i go to HDD 2 on the rack and have a powersupply with enough cables for 12 HDDs.and have the rack drawers slidable so i can take a HDD out easily

Is There a IDE switch for sale anywhere? or could i make one easily? and would this all work?:confused:

The rack would be 4x3(height x width)

I think it is a cool idea :)

thanks in advance for help :)

exactly why may i ask you want 12 Hdd? Wouldn't it be better if say you buy a few larger capacity ones? Or do you really need the storage of 12 high capacity drives?
 
you said or

you can take the converter out of it, that way you dont need to have it enclosed.

well if there is no converter how is it going to connect to usb?
 
skateforjondoe said:
you said or

you can take the converter out of it, that way you dont need to have it enclosed.

well if there is no converter how is it going to connect to usb?

he meant if you toss the encloser and keep the converter;)
 
skateforjondoe said:
well ya i could do it that way..but i don't want 12 external HDDs i want them on a rack
is there anyother way...like some converter i could buy? or something

why in the world would you want 12 HDD's?
 
Because....That's what the cool kids do :)

It's might not be for 12 hard drives...maybe half HDDs and half DVD drives

but ya, it would be a fun project that's why :)and:) it will look AWESOME :)
 
He said that not all 12 would be in at the same time, its most likely that he works in a computer store and gets alot of hard drives that need to be tested and put in and out in and out alot. If it where just going to be the same 12 drives I am sure he wouldnt have needed usb and would have just gotten a bunch of pci ide adaptors.
 
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Nope :( i don't work at a computer store...not yet...My parents are going to hook me up with stuff...(i'm only 15..just about 16) .but ya i'm just going to have a special place for it and get IDE compatible stuff..then leave it in....I'm not going to remove:P even though i'm making those cool rack drawers :)
 
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