bootcaseesatahard drivesata
I have run out of SATA ports on my motherboard. But I have a free eSATA port that I can convert using an eSATA/SATA converter cable & direct the cable back into the case. Does anyone have any comments on if it makes sense to use the eSATA port to this HDD caddy?
I have a suitable power connector from the power supply (PSU) to plug into the caddy. This drive will probably be a boot drive.
Yes, it's possible to use an internal SATA 3.5 HDD powered by your independent power supply. There is no extra circuitry as far as I know, and the only thing you need is the SATA to eSATA cable.
If you have an eSATAp port, you can just use a compatible cable and it will provide power directly from the port.
Here is a picture of an eSATAp to SATA cable which provides direct power from the port.
You'd need to get a hard drive dock that is compatible with eSATA. This one is an example of one that connects with both eSATA and USB but just google for eSATA dock and you'll get plenty of options.
If you want a prebuilt solution rather than using a drive you already have I found some by just googling esata drive here's one example.
Best Answer
The only differences between Sata and eSata are the connector style and eSata cables are shielded. It should work. You may have problems when you connect it while booted if AHCI is not enabled in the bios and software is not installed for it.
AHCI allows for hot plugging of Sata.
If AHCI is not enabled in the bios or does not have the option to use it, that is a whole other problem to solve, you will have to connect and power up the external drive before you Boot the PC if AHCI is not enabled or not available.