Converting a SATA port into eSATA

[her209]

I'm looking at this card from StarTech: link

But what I'm wondering is, is it truly eSATA, i.e. will you be able to remove and add hard drives via eSATA on this device? Would I need to be running Windows on AHCI?

 

[Old Hippie]

I'm looking at this card from StarTech: link

But what I'm wondering is, is it truly eSATA, i.e. will you be able to remove and add hard drives via eSATA on this device? Would I need to be running Windows on AHCI?

The link doesn't show a card just a SATA port extender terminated to an eSATA plug.

AHCI would have to be enabled for hot swap.

 

[Computurd]

it will work. that is all esata is, a different connector on a sata port. ACHI is the way to go.

 

[her209]

The link doesn't show a card just a SATA port extender terminated to an eSATA plug.

Sorry. Its an adapter, not a card.

AHCI would have to be enabled for hot swap.

What if I installed already installed Windows XP x64 with SATA-mode, i.e., non-AHCI?

 

[Old Hippie]

What if I installed already installed Windows XP x64 with SATA-mode, i.e., non-AHCI?

AHCI needs to be enabled for hot swap mode.

Without AHCI I've seen guys plug the external in, power it up, and scan for new hardware in the device manager to make the drive "seen" by Windows.

If you wanted to shut down safely I'd just shut the computer down first.

You may even get by with waiting awhile and shutting down the external.

 

[RebateMonger]

What if I installed already installed Windows XP x64 with SATA-mode, i.e., non-AHCI?

You can install a PCI or PCI-E SATA controller card with SATA or eSATA external ports and install the drivers for it. They are $10 to $30. If you do this, you don't need AHCI drivers installed.

The controller cards with Silicon Image chips, for sure, perform hot-swapping just fine. I've been using them for hotswap backups on Vista, Server 2003, XP, and Server 2008 computers for four years now. We have the clients just pull the plug on the hotswap disks and plug in a new disk, all without access to the server or PC. Obviously, you don't do this in the middle of a backup.

 

[Auric]

HotSwap! works with Intel and Silicon Image controllers in either IDE or AHCI mode. Unlike the Device Manger or devcon method, it also powers off the drive.

http://mt-naka.com/hotswap/index_enu.htm

If an external connection is not particularly required, consider internal trayless docks for ease of use and durability. That way, 3.5 and 2.5" drives can be used like floppy discs. Another option for a seperate storage box is Infiniband which is sort of multi-port eSATA thus maintaining independent performance versus a port multiplier.

 

[Old Hippie]

I've also had good luck with the SI based expansion cards.

I've only tried HotSwap on USB and it worked fine but made all my internal SATA drives hot swappable. It didn't hurt anything but I didn't have the option to "hide" the drives I didn't want to disconnect, and it made things a little confusing expecially when more than one USB device was connected.

Hopefully the program has been updated with the option to hide the drives you don't want to disconnect.

 

[her209]

HotSwap! works with Intel and Silicon Image controllers in either IDE or AHCI mode. Unlike the Device Manger or devcon method, it also powers off the drive.

http://mt-naka.com/hotswap/index_enu.htm

If an external connection is not particularly required, consider internal trayless docks for ease of use and durability. That way, 3.5 and 2.5" drives can be used like floppy discs. Another option for a seperate storage box is Infiniband which is sort of multi-port eSATA thus maintaining independent performance versus a port multiplier.

I saw this unit from Antec. Looks pretty sweet if it works like it should.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817371028

 

[Old Hippie]

I saw this unit from Antec. Looks pretty sweet if it works like it should.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817371028

You're still gonna hafta have AHCI enable for hot swap to work correctly.

 

[hanspeter]

On ICH you also need to have AHCI enabled to have true eSATA support.

 

[Auric]

I saw this unit from Antec. Looks pretty sweet if it works like it should.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817371028

I prefer this one as the drive is fully enclosed and disconnected with a lever action. Startech just brands them and they can be had elsewhere for $15-20.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817998020

I also use this 3-in-2 without the fan.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-075-_-Product

Again, depending upon the controller and software, AHCI is not necessarily required. Worst case, it can be enabled with relative ease vs reinstalling Windows.

 

[Auric]

Here are some more reasonably priced brands/models of the trayless hotswap rack:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817998041

I also have one of these 2x2.5" in 3.5" bay units but have not used it yet:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817993014

In case you haven't guessed, the goal is no longer messin' with internal mounting (or trays) as I change and swap drives frequently. I suppose for a large media server, the tray type would be good though.

 

[her209]

I also have one of these 2x2.5" in 3.5" bay units but have not used it yet:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817993014

That looks like a sweet setup for an SSD RAID.

 

[Auric]

Yep, and if you do not have a RAID controller there is one with it built in:
http://www.jj-computer.com/Products/Storage/Mobile_racks/For_25_hdd/Jj1225susri/

Patriot branded:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16816241001

 

[RU482]

I'm a bit confused. Do all eSATA ports provide power, or is this a new thing?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16816104013&cm_re=eSATA_2.5-_-16-104-013-_-Product