I have 3 old notebook hard disk drives which I usually connect and access the files in them using external USB adapter, but the speed is not as fast as direct IDE connection.

Some time ago, I have gotten a 2.5″ to 3.5″ IDE converter but I haven’t tried it until recently because I wanted to clear the hard disk contents first before I tried it - just in case, this converter might be harmful to my hard disk.

I shut down my computer, opened up the casing and plugged it in with my notebook hard disk drive.  The hard disk drive just do not want to appear.  I have tried 3 hard disk drives, non of them worked.

I guess it is because of either my PC’s motherboard doesn’t support it or the converter has spoiled.

This is a smaller version of  IDE converter.  Years ago in the previous company where I worked, I have seen a larger version in a shape of a 3.5″ IDE drive.  It is risky to use this types of connector because it can spoil the notebook’s hard drive if the circuit is shorted or not connected properly.

I have had some “smoke and smell” experience before with the box-shaped IDE converter.

I will try it on another PC again when I have free time.  Meanwhile, I am still using the IDE to USB adapter.

My advice is not to use this type of converter with the risk of losing data in the hard disk.