eSata cable - different from an internal SATA cable?

[xmojo1]

I have an eSata port on my motherboard and I want to buy an external hard drive enclosure that has an eSata connection. The brand of HDD enclosure that I'm thinking of buying doesn't come with an eSata cable so I was wondering if a standard internal SATA cable could be used to connect the HDD enclosure to the motherboard's eSata port.

 

[JackMDS]

Welcome to AnandTech's General Hardware Forum.

A real eSATA is a different plug and the plug is Not compatible with regular SATA plug.

There are many cables with variation of plugs you would have to buy the correct tyype .

 

[zerogear]

Yes, there is a difference, eSATA cable has better insulation from noise/static.

 

[RebateMonger]

There have also been many "external" SATA cables (not eSATA) produced. Those have shielding, unlike a standard SATA cable.