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May 14th, 2007, 06:42 PM | #1 |
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eSATA External Hard Drive Adapters
I recently got a 500 GB eSATA Seagate external hard drive. The problem I have is that I don't have any extra slots in my computer to install the PCI eSATA card. I therefore have no way to hook up the eSATA cable to my computer. So, I started searching for adapters. The vague instruction manual for my hard drive said that "You may need to install a PCI eSATA host adapter, if your system does not have one." I'm not sure what that's supposed to mean. Through internet searches, I found the USB to SATA (Serial ATA) Converter Kit, which is supposed to work for any 3.5" SATA hard drive. Here's one website that had it: http://insidecomputer.stores.yahoo.n...tasatousb.html I was wondering if this adapter or perhaps a simliar one would work for my situation or if I simply bought the wrong type of hard drive? Any input would be appreciated.
Thank you, Tristan Howard |
May 15th, 2007, 03:36 AM | #2 |
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This approach negates the advantage of eSATA and will leave you only with the speed of any USB external disk. I would have a serious look at all the cards currently installed and their function. Maybe you have a sound card installed. You could consider pulling that and use on board sound. Maybe you have a PCI fire wire card installed. Do you need it? Would on board fire wire be sufficient?
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May 15th, 2007, 05:10 PM | #3 |
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Harm,
Thanks for the information. I figured I'd lose the speed advantage. All I want is a way to back up my files and I'm not too concerned with speed. Unfortunately, I'm still pretty ignorant when it comes to this stuff. I think I'll stick with all my cards and just get an adapter. Regards, Tristan |
May 15th, 2007, 08:47 PM | #4 |
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Another option: Upgrade.
In a similiar situation on an old pc, I had a two channel promise ATA 133 PCI board for extra ATA drives. I swapped that out for a four channel eSATA PCI and purchased two bridge adaptors for the ATA's and had two ports available for external eSATA drives. BTW I also house the sata drives in the Icy Dock enclosures. They are fanless, but well designed and keep the drives cool.
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May 23rd, 2007, 02:29 PM | #5 |
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The USB converter kit I got is worthless as none of its connectors fit into my external hard drive and it appears as if I need the driver card. Are there any adapters that would work for my situation without me having to use the card that came with the supposedly external hard drive?
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May 29th, 2007, 09:47 PM | #6 |
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I ended up taking out an internet card and the hard drive works fine.
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