USB drive adapter

USB drive adapter

A device that connects an unenclosed hard drive to the computer via USB. Drive adapters are generally used to clone the contents of an existing drive to a new drive. The adapter plugs into the drive's connector on one end and the USB port of the computer on the other. See USB drive kit.

IDE/PATA and SATA Drive Adapter
Apricorn's USB drive adapter connects IDE or SATA drives to the computer via USB. (Image courtesy of Apricorn, Inc., www.apricorn.com)