eSATA drive as boot drive, and eSATA drive connected to SATA mobo connector

[Goi]

Hi,

I'm wondering if it's possible to use an eSATA drive as a boot drive? I know MS has a limitation that prevents external USB drives from becoming boot drives, i.e. I can't install Windows to an external USB drive and expect to boot from it. Does this affect eSATA drives?

Also, is it possible to directly connect an eSATA enclosure to the mobo's SATA connector? I understand that the connector is physically different and that the voltage levels are also different, but supposing I change the eSATA connector on the drive to a SATA one, would that work? I'm guessing it would since most eSATA enclosures simply connect to a PCI bracket adapter that mechanically converts it a SATA cable that plugs into the mobo's SATA connector anyway...doesn't seem like there's any logic that's doing any voltage shifting to me...

 

[Old Hippie]

I know MS has a limitation that prevents external USB drives from becoming boot drives,

They musta changed their mind

Also, is it possible to directly connect an eSATA enclosure to the mobo's SATA connector?

Yes, I've done it. I used a SATA to eSATA cable. You won't get the hot swap feature unless it's an eSATA port on the MB.

 

[Goi]

Thanks! hot-swap is a non-issue since it's gonna be a boot drive. 🙂