Originally posted by: HolyFire
Yes, here is an example:
http://www.performance-pcs.com...h=169&products_id=2695
I had the same doubts, but it supposedly "allows you to use external Serial ATA devices", and I've not heard of such that use the internal SATA plug (though I may be ignorant). Anyway, even if not this particular product, there are others which are cheaper than a fully-fledged controller and don't require a specific expansion slot.Originally posted by: Old Hippie
IDK if that slot plate has a SATA plug or an eSATA plug. The description sounds like it's a regular SATA plug.
eSATA and SATA plugs are slightly different and not interchangeable.
allows you to use external Serial ATA devices
Originally posted by: DBissett
So it sounds like if I just enable AHCI I can use the slot cover with only a plug attached and have the hot swap feature? It's not clear what the controller card provides that wouldn't be provided by that setup.
Originally posted by: SickBeast
My Vantec external enclosure came with a little bracket that converts a SATA plug to an eSATA port.
I'm sure you can get them.
Originally posted by: novasatori
I was actually looking at this the other day (the motherboard backplates) and was wondering if there is an external powerbrick/plug that you can buy to use for sata HDs?
so I could use an SATA HD without an enclosure?