Hi all,
I'm starting a new pc build, and would like to install an eSATA bracket that converts 2 SATA ports to eSATA.
What do I need to look for in a motherboard to ensure that it will support hot-swapping external HDD's?
Would any relatively recent motherboard that has an onboard RAID/AHCI controller allow this?
Thanks!
Hi IniquiTrance and welcome to Windows 7 Forums
Most motherboards have on-board RAID controllers, however for eSATA capability your motherboard also needs to have one or more SATA sockets that are designated as being hot-swappable. These may or may not be RAID capable. Obviously, these can also be used internally, but if you wish to have eSATA capability, you need to ensure that the motherboard has the correct type of socket. Generally speaking, if it does it will also come with the bracket. Check the motherboard manual and what it says on the box. You could also see what it says on the manufacturers website prior to purchase.
Welcome to Seven Forums.
You can get SATA to eSATA cables or backplate x-overs for $3 to $6.
Most BIOS will allow these to be hot-swapped, most OEM laptops, including mine, will do it.
If it doesn't then D/L HotSwap! it will allow you to hot swap anything, looks and acts just like the Windows default 'Safely Remove Hardware' function.
If you want it to run at every startup, you can add it as Task - Create to Run a Program at Startup and Log On, set it to start at log on, set it to run as administrator.
Hot-swapping is a AHCI function, all AHCI functions are available in RAID, so either will work.
I've done this on a couple computers. You can even run an OS from a eSATA external HDD.
As GemeO says, be sure your BIOS is set to AHCI or RAID before installing the OS.
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