"Permanently" Connecting A Drive Externally To A USB Port


Caxtin

Caxtin

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Looking to purchase a new computer desktop. The one I really like comes with one main drive, and can only be attached one other drive to it.

In my current desktop, I have three drives (1 OS and 2 others for my data), that's total of 3.
If I purchase the new one am interested in, can I externally connected a drive, a with the SATA cable to a USB 3.0 port, and leave the drive on the floor, on top of the desktop, or even duct tape it on it's side.

What would be the significant difference between internally and externally connected hard drives?

Cheers
 

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    Windows 11 Pro 64-bit / 24H2 / Build 26100.6584Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-13700, 16 Core(s)Total: 64.00 GBNVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti
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Caxtin said:
Looking to purchase a new computer desktop. The one I really like comes with one main drive, and can only be attached one other drive to it.
Click to expand...
What PC desktop is it?
Do you mean laptop?
 

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I'd be curious what this new computer you like is? I ask because unless it's a small form factor type PC there should be room from more than 2 drives. Some Dells may or may not be compatible with multiple drives.
 

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I'm a computer enthusiast so have quite a few systems that I run. More like an advanced hobby.

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    Windows 11 Pro 64-bit / 24H2 / Build 26100.6584
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    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS 8960
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-13700, 16 Core(s)
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    Dell Inc. Base Board.
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    Total: 64.00 GB
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    Microsoft Windows 11 Home 64-bit. 22631 Multi...13th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-1355UTotal Memory: 16.00 GB Usable Memory: 15.69 GBIntel(R) Iris(R) Xe Graphics
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    Microsoft Windows 11 Home 64-bit. 22631 Multiprocessor Free
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    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 15-3530
    CPU
    13th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-1355U
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    Dell Inc. 0122F5
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    Total Memory: 16.00 GB Usable Memory: 15.69 GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel(R) Iris(R) Xe Graphics
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    (1) Intel® Smart Sound Technology for Bluetooth® Audio (2) Intel® Smart Sound Technology for USB Audio (3) Realtek Audio
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    Integrated
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    NVMe PC SN740 NVMe WD 512GB
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BamaInArk said:
I'd be curious what this new computer you like is? I ask because unless it's a small form factor type PC there should be room from more than 2 drives. Some Dells may or may not be compatible with multiple drives.
Click to expand...
Dell specifically told me it can ONLY take an extra drive; I think because of it's size. He mentioned there's not port for a third drive. Am still looking into other DELL's systems. Am still trying to make up my mind on which to get. For my question, it should not really mater what type of desktop it is.

So, back to my question, say for a desktop computer, what would be the difference between an internal drive and one I connected externally to a 3.0 USB?
 

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  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 64-bit / 24H2 / Build 26100.6584Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-13700, 16 Core(s)Total: 64.00 GBNVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro 64-bit / 24H2 / Build 26100.6584
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS 8960
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-13700, 16 Core(s)
    Motherboard
    Dell Inc. Base Board.
    Memory
    Total: 64.00 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti
    Sound Card
    Realtek Audio & Integrated NVIDIA High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Three Dell Monitors
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    1TB ATA
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    2TB ATA
    2TB ATA
    Keyboard
    Dell Keyboard
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    935 Mbs (Down) 31 Mbs (Up)
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    TP-Link Gigabit PCI Express Adapter (Ethernet 802.3)
    Sophos TAP Adapter Provider (Ethernet 802.3)

  • At a glance

    Microsoft Windows 11 Home 64-bit. 22631 Multi...13th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-1355UTotal Memory: 16.00 GB Usable Memory: 15.69 GBIntel(R) Iris(R) Xe Graphics
    Operating System
    Microsoft Windows 11 Home 64-bit. 22631 Multiprocessor Free
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 15-3530
    CPU
    13th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-1355U
    Motherboard
    Dell Inc. 0122F5
    Memory
    Total Memory: 16.00 GB Usable Memory: 15.69 GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel(R) Iris(R) Xe Graphics
    Sound Card
    (1) Intel® Smart Sound Technology for Bluetooth® Audio (2) Intel® Smart Sound Technology for USB Audio (3) Realtek Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Integrated
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    NVMe PC SN740 NVMe WD 512GB
    PSU
    Integrated
    Keyboard
    Integrated
    Mouse
    Integrated
    Internet Speed
    143 Mbs Down / 43 Mbs Up
    Browser
    Google Chrome . Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Caxtin said:
Looking to purchase a new computer desktop. The one I really like comes with one main drive, and can only be attached one other drive to it.

In my current desktop, I have three drives (1 OS and 2 others for my data), that's total of 3.
If I purchase the new one am interested in, can I externally connected a drive, a with the SATA cable to a USB 3.0 port, and leave the drive on the floor, on top of the desktop, or even duct tape it on it's side.

What would be the significant difference between internally and externally connected hard drives?

Cheers
Click to expand...

Low speed is the main limitation of an external disk, compared to a SSD internal boot disk.

Use an external SATA USB 3.0 enclosure for 2.5 inch disks. Install in it a SATA SSD, and connect the enclosure to the USB 3.0 port, using a USB 3-compatible cable.

This will work much faster than an external HDD.
 

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Anibor_11 said:
Use an external SATA USB 3.0 enclosure for 2.5 inch disks. Install in it a SATA SSD, and connect the enclosure to the USB 3.0 port.

This will work much faster than an external HDD. Low speed is the main limitation of an external disk.
Click to expand...
I apologize I was not specific. It has to be an SSD (not HHD). I will never deal with HHD anymore for any new drive purchase.

The current ones I have are two 2TB HHDs for data, and a 1TB for Windows. For any new desktop PC, all has to be SSDs.
So, internal SSD and an externally connected SSD, what would be the difference?

Looks like the pandemic messed things up, with respect to technology. SSDs cost have gone up. I used to purchase 2TB SSD for about $65; known name. I need two 2TB SSDs to replace the two 2TB HHDs I have, but the current prices.
 

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  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 64-bit / 24H2 / Build 26100.6584Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-13700, 16 Core(s)Total: 64.00 GBNVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro 64-bit / 24H2 / Build 26100.6584
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS 8960
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-13700, 16 Core(s)
    Motherboard
    Dell Inc. Base Board.
    Memory
    Total: 64.00 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti
    Sound Card
    Realtek Audio & Integrated NVIDIA High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Three Dell Monitors
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    1TB ATA
    1TB ATA
    2TB ATA
    2TB ATA
    Keyboard
    Dell Keyboard
    Mouse
    Wireless Mouse
    Internet Speed
    935 Mbs (Down) 31 Mbs (Up)
    Browser
    Google Chrome. Firefox. Opera.
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    TP-Link Gigabit PCI Express Adapter (Ethernet 802.3)
    Sophos TAP Adapter Provider (Ethernet 802.3)

  • At a glance

    Microsoft Windows 11 Home 64-bit. 22631 Multi...13th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-1355UTotal Memory: 16.00 GB Usable Memory: 15.69 GBIntel(R) Iris(R) Xe Graphics
    Operating System
    Microsoft Windows 11 Home 64-bit. 22631 Multiprocessor Free
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 15-3530
    CPU
    13th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-1355U
    Motherboard
    Dell Inc. 0122F5
    Memory
    Total Memory: 16.00 GB Usable Memory: 15.69 GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel(R) Iris(R) Xe Graphics
    Sound Card
    (1) Intel® Smart Sound Technology for Bluetooth® Audio (2) Intel® Smart Sound Technology for USB Audio (3) Realtek Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Integrated
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    NVMe PC SN740 NVMe WD 512GB
    PSU
    Integrated
    Keyboard
    Integrated
    Mouse
    Integrated
    Internet Speed
    143 Mbs Down / 43 Mbs Up
    Browser
    Google Chrome . Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Caxtin said:
So, internal SSD and an externally connected SSD, what would be the difference?

Looks like the pandemic messed things up, with respect to technology. SSDs cost have gone up. I used to purchase 2TB SSD for about $65; known name. I need two 2TB SSDs to replace the two 2TB HHDs I have, but the current prices.
Click to expand...
External SSDs support Trim, no difference in this.

One difference may be that the external SSD is DRAM-less and uses HMB [Host Memory Buffer] technology (use of main DRAM memory instead of internal in-SSD DRAM), but as far as I know HMB is not supported in USB links. I am not sure how this impact performance.

I use an external SATA SSD permanently attached, installed in a Vantec enclosure. It is a Samsung 870 EVO, which has internal DRAM memory. It has worked perfectly for several years.
 

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Windows 10
Anibor_11 said:
External SSDs support Trim, no difference in this.

One difference may be that the external SSD is DRAM-less and uses HMB [Host Memory Buffer] technology (use of main DRAM memory instead of internal in-SSD DRAM), but as far as I know HMB is not supported in USB links. I am not sure how this impact performance.

I use an external SATA SSD permanently attached, installed in a Vantec enclosure. It is a Samsung 870 EVO, which has internal DRAM memory. It has worked perfectly for several years.
Click to expand...
That's the thought I was looking for.
Thanks!
 

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  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 64-bit / 24H2 / Build 26100.6584Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-13700, 16 Core(s)Total: 64.00 GBNVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro 64-bit / 24H2 / Build 26100.6584
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS 8960
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-13700, 16 Core(s)
    Motherboard
    Dell Inc. Base Board.
    Memory
    Total: 64.00 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti
    Sound Card
    Realtek Audio & Integrated NVIDIA High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Three Dell Monitors
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    1TB ATA
    1TB ATA
    2TB ATA
    2TB ATA
    Keyboard
    Dell Keyboard
    Mouse
    Wireless Mouse
    Internet Speed
    935 Mbs (Down) 31 Mbs (Up)
    Browser
    Google Chrome. Firefox. Opera.
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    TP-Link Gigabit PCI Express Adapter (Ethernet 802.3)
    Sophos TAP Adapter Provider (Ethernet 802.3)

  • At a glance

    Microsoft Windows 11 Home 64-bit. 22631 Multi...13th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-1355UTotal Memory: 16.00 GB Usable Memory: 15.69 GBIntel(R) Iris(R) Xe Graphics
    Operating System
    Microsoft Windows 11 Home 64-bit. 22631 Multiprocessor Free
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 15-3530
    CPU
    13th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-1355U
    Motherboard
    Dell Inc. 0122F5
    Memory
    Total Memory: 16.00 GB Usable Memory: 15.69 GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel(R) Iris(R) Xe Graphics
    Sound Card
    (1) Intel® Smart Sound Technology for Bluetooth® Audio (2) Intel® Smart Sound Technology for USB Audio (3) Realtek Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Integrated
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    NVMe PC SN740 NVMe WD 512GB
    PSU
    Integrated
    Keyboard
    Integrated
    Mouse
    Integrated
    Internet Speed
    143 Mbs Down / 43 Mbs Up
    Browser
    Google Chrome . Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
I definitely wouldn't put it on the floor. I think you would be better off using Velcro and attaching it to the computer case.
 

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    Windows 11 Pro 25H2Intel Core i7-10700K16GB (8GB PC4-19200 DDR4 SDRAM x2)NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 TI
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    Windows 11 Pro 25H2
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    Manufacturer/Model
    PowerSpec B746
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    Intel Core i7-10700K
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    ASRock Z490 Phantom Gaming 4/ax
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    16GB (8GB PC4-19200 DDR4 SDRAM x2)
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    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 TI
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    Realtek Audio
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    #1. LG ULTRAWIDE 34" #2. AOC Q32G2WG3 32"
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    PowerSpec G156
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    Intel Core i5-8400 CPU @ 2.80GHz
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    AsusTeK Prime B360M-A
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    16 MB DDR 4-2666
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    23" Speptre HDMI 75Hz
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    1920x1080
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    Samsung 970 EVO 500GB NVMe
    Keyboard
    Logitek K270
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    Logitek M185
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge and Edge Canary
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Caxtin said:
Dell specifically told me it can ONLY take an extra drive; I think because of it's size. He mentioned there's not port for a third drive. Am still looking into other DELL's systems. Am still trying to make up my mind on which to get. For my question, it should not really mater what type of desktop it is.

So, back to my question, say for a desktop computer, what would be the difference between an internal drive and one I connected externally to a 3.0 USB?
Click to expand...
Howzabout an external USB bus? Plug that into the single USB port and then attach your drives to the hub. My Dell
laptop has two USB-A ports and one USB-C, not enough for my accessories. Fortunately, my Dell monitor has a built-in USB hub. EZPZ.

- Ethernet Adapter (USB-C)
- External Optical Drive
- External WD Backup Drive
- Desktop USB Port for temporary use
- Local printer
- External Speaker
- Wireless keyboard and mouse
 

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Windows 11 Pro @2N23AMD Ryzen 716gb
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Windows 11 Pro @2N23
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Manufacturer/Model
Dell
CPU
AMD Ryzen 7
Memory
16gb
Hard Drives
M2 2TB SSD
Browser
Edge
Antivirus
ioBit

My Computers My Computers

System One System Two Other systems

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 Build 26200.8655Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4770K CPU @ 3.50GHz32.0 GB of I forget and the box is in storage.Gigabyte nVidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super OC 6GB
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 Build 26200.8655
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Sin-built 2013
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4770K CPU @ 3.50GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus VI Formula
    Memory
    32.0 GB of I forget and the box is in storage.
    Graphics Card(s)
    Gigabyte nVidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super OC 6GB
    Sound Card
    ROG SupremeFX Formula 8-Channel High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    5 x LG 25MS500-B - 1 x 24MK430H-B - 1 x Wacom Pro 22" Touch Screen Tablet
    Screen Resolution
    All over the place
    Hard Drives
    Too many to list. OS on Samsung 1TB 870 QVO SATA
    PSU
    Silverstone 1500
    Case
    NZXT Phantom 820 Full-Tower Case
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D15 Elite Class Dual Tower CPU Cooler / 6 x EziDIY 120mm / 2 x Corsair 140mm somethings / 1 x 140mm Thermaltake something / 2 x 200mm Corsair.
    Keyboard
    Corsair K95 / Logitech diNovo Edge Wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech: G402 / G502 / Mx Masters / Mx Air Cordless
    Internet Speed
    2000/500Mbps
    Browser
    All sorts
    Antivirus
    Kaspersky Premium
    Other Info
    ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
    TP-Link BE9300 WiFi 7 Bluetooth 5.4 (Archer TBE550E)
    TP-Link TX201 V1 2.5GB Lan

    Grandstream HT812 - VoIP
    ASUS DSL-AX82U - Mesh
    ASUS RT-AC68U - Mesh
    ASUS RT-BE88U Router

    Brother MFC-L2880DW Printer

    I’m on a horse.

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 Build 26200.8655 (Wifes)13th Generation Intel® Core™ i5-1340P Process...16GB LPDDR5-52001x Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 Build 26200.8655 (Wifes)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    LENOVO Yoga 7 14IRL8 - Type 82YL
    CPU
    13th Generation Intel® Core™ i5-1340P Processor(Core™ i5-1340P)
    Memory
    16GB LPDDR5-5200
    Graphics card(s)
    1x Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics
    Sound Card
    Optimized with Dolby Atmos®
    Screen Resolution
    QHD 2880 x 1800 OLED
    Hard Drives
    M.2 512 GB SSD PCIe
    Mouse
    Logiteck MX Master 3S
    Internet Speed
    2000/500
    Antivirus
    Defender / Malwarebytes
    Other Info
    …still on a horse.


    Wireless Network: Wi-Fi 6E 2x2 AX; Bluetooth® 5.1 or above
    Ports: 1x 1 Novo button; 2 in 1 Audio Combo jack; Micro SD Card Reader; HDMI 1.4b; 2 x USB Type-C (TBT4)
    USB 3.2 Gen 2 DP 1.4a
    PD 3.0); 1 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type A
    Camera
    1x 1080P FHD IR/RGB Hybrid with Privacy Shutter and Dual Array Microphone
    Graphics
    1x Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics
    Monitor
    14" WUXGA
    Form Factor
    Convertible Notebook
  • Windows 11 Pro 25H2 Build 26200.8655 (Wifes)

    Yoga 7 2-in-1 14IML9 - Type 83DJ

    Processor: Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 155H Processor(Core™ Ultra 7 155H)

    Memory: 32GB LPD5X-7467

    Hard Drive: 1 TB SSD PCIe

    Wireless Network: 1x Wi-Fi 6E 2x2 AX; Bluetooth® 5.1 or above

    Ports: 1 x HDMI 2.1 TMDS; 1 x Novo Button; 1 x Combo Audio Jack
    2 x USB-C (USB 4.0)
    1 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1

    Camera: 1080P FHD IR Hybrid with Dual Microphone

    Graphics: Intel® Arc™ Graphics

    Monitor: 14" 2.8K

    ...Where's my horse?
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