Asus Maximus formula...

[bharatwaja]

The Maximus formula motherboard which I am planning to purchase has no eSATA ports I noticed. Would this be a deficiency in future if not right now?

Also, eSata interface external hardisks, do they need external power? i.e is this a difference between eSata and Sata?

"eSata" . . . Is it a defining feature? i.e. will it be a common place connector as the USB is not in a year or so time??

Please give your views....

 

[krnmastersgt]

In a years time the socket is probably changing, but anyways onto the eSata, it's a nice feature and the speed is faster than USB but I doubt there's going to be a mass exodus of USB 2.0 even if eSata becomes more commonplace. Especially since a lot of people won't want to buy a new mobo and system just to use the latest peripherals, this change is going to be slow and long assuming it happens at all so go ahead and buy the maximus now, or that's my opinion anyways.

 

[PolymerTim]

I've been struggling with this question myself. I really wanted to have the eSATA ports, but what confuses my is why they are always on the back. It seems to me, if you actually had a portable hard drive, you would want to plug it in front. I wonder if this will migrate to the front over time like USB ports. I still have a computer where the only USB ports (even though there are 6) are in the back and it is a real pain to reach over my desk to plug in a thumb drive.

Of course I never really thought about eSATA being used for anything but external drives, but I guess it makes sense eventually if a faster connection is needed.

So now, I'm not so worried about eSATA ports in back since I think (someone correct me if I'm wrong) I will eventually be able to get a front bay plate with eSATA connections that can plug directly to some of my MB SATA connections (they are the same aren't they?).

 

[AmberClad]

I have a front bay device that allows eSATA/SATA/IDE connections. I also have the rear eSATA port on my motherboard. I haven't used either eSATA connection up to this point . It's about as useful to me as Firewire (i.e. not very).

 

[bharatwaja]

PolymerTim... You can use USB extension cords if needed and place them by the side of your chassis front so that U dont have to reach back everytime to use the USB ports... and I guess using front bay plate with eSATA connections that can plug directly to some of the MB SATA connections is a possibility, but what I wanted to know was if eSata was different in a way that it allows direct power draw from the port then it wouldnt be possible to connect these to MB sata ports cause a fundamental pin difference would exist....
Still confused... i guess there would also be PCI cards that have ESata connectivity like the SCSI drive adapters and stuff.... what should I choose....

 

[AmberClad]

I believe (and someone please correct me if I'm wrong) that eSATA requires an external power brick (like laptops and USB enclosures) to power drives connected through it.

 

[Old Hippie]

Originally posted by: AmberClad
I believe (and someone please correct me if I'm wrong) that eSATA requires an external power brick (like laptops and USB enclosures) to power drives connected through it.

No power thru eSATA.
As with any new technology, it's gonna take time for a complete switch over....if ever.

i guess there would also be PCI cards that have ESata connectivity

There's a ton of 'um for PCI and PCIe. Got two of the cheapies (@ 20.00) to use with my old Asus SLI board. They worked just fine.


Tons of info here.

 

[The-Noid]

New eSATA ports will actually have power. This is more or less ESATA version 1.0. ESATA 2.0 should arrive shortly.

 

[bharatwaja]

So whats the verdict... Maximus formula worth it even without eSata Ports?
Or should I look for boards with that stuff?

 

[The-Noid]

Do you use a lot of external hard drives currently? Do you have a big case?

If you have a big case and don't use a lot of external hard drives there is no reason to need eSATA.

 

[bharatwaja]

I need a lot of data transfer, I design using photoshop for Ad banners, etc typically the files sizes are around 1 to 1.5 GB... I use a couple of external hard drives... but all that eSata effectively gives me is transfer speed... I am very content with the transfer speed of my current external disks... I also tranfer a lot of programs and stuff, movies, mp3 etc .... eSata would give me a very fast transfer speed, but its not absolutely necessary for me... I usually start transfer of files and go do other stuff or go out for a smoke to while away the time... it doesnt matter to me....

what do you suggest Yoxxy?

2 more things...
besides the deficiency of eSata... is the Maximus formula mobo a good buy?? (rate on a scale of 1 to 10 if possible)

also... what other suggestions would you give if not maximus formula? (boards with eSata ofcourse)

 

[bharatwaja]

This is a future buy... am planning on buying the 3D aurora 570 Chassis from gigabyte....

 

[The-Noid]

Sounds as if eSATA would help you especially when using multiple disks.

It is a 5 out of 10.

Generally speaking if you don't need XFire, it is preferable to buy a p35 board.

Recommendations are: P5K Premium, P5K Deluxe, P5K-E.

If you want xFire I would purchase: Abit QuadGT X38.

If you need Xfire and want a

 

[bharatwaja]

I would prefer SLI more than xFire....
Seems like your last post is a bit incomplete...

 

[The-Noid]

If you want SLI there is only a couple.

EVGA 780i FTW Edition, P5N-T (which sucks), Striker Formula II.

 

[bharatwaja]

EVGA is not available in India []
what other alternatives??