Question about external SATA enclosure

[QueBert]

this is the one in question http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817198044 Now the specs claim it comes with a SATA port multiplier card. Does the controller on my MB matter here? The MB I'm ordering has 4 ports and I'll be using all 4 internally (3 HD/1 Blu-Ray) + 3 in the enclosure. I'm assuming I should be fine here, but I want to be sure before I sink $200 on it. And if anyone knows of a similar enclosure that's cheaper I'm all ears.

 

[FishAk]

“Backplane with 1x high speed USB 2.0 and 1x e-SATA ports (port multiplier).”


I think they mean “backplate” of the enclosure


It doesn't say it has a card. Basicly it's just saying you can connect to your USB or eSATA ports.


That seams pretty expensive to me, for really just a 4 drive enclosure with USB2, and SATA II capability. For that price, you would think it would be SATA III, and USB 3.0, and come with a card for connecting to the PCI-E.


Do you need the drives to be external, or are you just going that rout because your board doesn't have enough ports? If not, consider a PCI-E controller card, and put everything inside your box, if you have room, and an available slot without killing your airflow.

 

[Old Hippie]

Does the controller on my MB matter here?

If you go to the product page and click the eSATA port multiplier button....

I've never used a port mulitplier but I'm sure someone else will come along that has.

I have however, used Icy Dock stuff and it's all been very nice.

 

[QueBert]

“Backplane with 1x high speed USB 2.0 and 1x e-SATA ports (port multiplier).”


I think they mean “backplate” of the enclosure


It doesn't say it has a card. Basicly it's just saying you can connect to your USB or eSATA ports.


That seams pretty expensive to me, for really just a 4 drive enclosure with USB2, and SATA II capability. For that price, you would think it would be SATA III, and USB 3.0, and come with a card for connecting to the PCI-E.


Do you need the drives to be external, or are you just going that rout because your board doesn't have enough ports? If not, consider a PCI-E controller card, and put everything inside your box, if you have room, and an available slot without killing your airflow.

The HTPC case is pretty small, the specs say it can hold up to 3 HD's, but user reviews I've seen said it's too cramped with 3 and generates too much heat. I like this one because it's external and has room for up to 4 drives. I don't like how it's only JBOD, RAID would be a nice option. Don't need or want Sata III or USB 3, I do like how it looks, it would fit in well with my home theater I'm building. I guess I need to read up on the MB I have to see if the sata chipset has a port multiplier, otherwise I'm going to need a PCI card too.