My own racked external 12 HDDs

[skateforjondoe]

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?

The rack would be 4x3(height x width)

I think it is a cool idea

thanks in advance for help
sorry i made 2 it was an accident.. i don't know how to delete it if a mod or someone can delete one of these that would be cool but not both please

 

[Seth]

cool idea but not very practicle. For a start i dont think that an IDE to USB converter exists and running 12 drives on IDE im not so sure would work either...

 

[elmarcorulz]

i dont think that an IDE to USB converter exists

It does, they're used in hdd caddies

 

[kof2000]

daisy chain 12 hdd to ONE USB PORT XD.

 

[elmarcorulz]

daisy chain 12 hdd to ONE USB PORT XD.

Chances are their wouldnt be enough power to piggyback them through usb.

 

[skateforjondoe]

could i do it through like 2? have two, 6 port usb hubs?...put each hub in a different usb slot on the computer...ok g2g i'll be back later

 

[helmie]

Are the usb hubs powered from the USB port, or do they have their own plug?

 

[skateforjondoe]

umm, what should i do? should i get usb hubs with or without a power adapter?

 

[helmie]

With. One USB port cannot supply the power for all the HDDs, so you need an external source.

 

[diduknowthat]

get an IDE to USB switch, and just run the harddrives off a seperate powersupply

 

[skateforjondoe]

i know

 

[Southy]

you can buy a IDE to USB cable, it comes with a power supply (that you plug into the wall) to supply the extra needed power to spin the drive. You could potenially get 12 of those and some usb hubs and it would work too.