How to install an external SATA hard drive.

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  1. Posts : 9
    Win7 home prem 64bit
       #1

    How to install an external SATA hard drive.


    I woukd like to install a SATA hard drive using an external drive housing. They make a connector for the data cabe that attaches into a slot on the backside of the computer and to the motherboard via a short cable. Where can I find something for the power cable? My wish is not to use USB for it. Make it a stand alone external drive that will show up like any other attached drive. Does someone make a kit to accomplish this action? Thanks DonS
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  2. Posts : 3,371
    W10 Pro desktop, W11 laptop, W11 Pro tablet (all 64-bit)
       #2

    I believe you're referring to an eSATA port on the back of your computer. Generally speaking, external 3.5" drives have an external power supply that gets plugged into the wall while 2.5" drive enclosures are usually USB powered. I can't recall seeing a 2.5" drive with eSATA for the data connection and USB for power but they might exist.

    Here are some examples of 3.5" disk enclosures with eSATA that have external AC power supplies: Computer Hardware, Hard Drives, Hard Drive Enclosures, Yes, 3.5", USB & eSATA - Newegg.com
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  3. Posts : 25,847
    Windows 10 Pro. 64/ version 1709 Windows 7 Pro/64
       #3

    Take a look at Startech

    I use their products for externals and hot swaps.
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  4. Posts : 13,576
    Windows 10 Pro x64
       #4

    Yes, the housing , enclosure should have it`s own power supply plug that goes to the wall socket or your surge protector.

    You can find something at newegg.com
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  5. Posts : 25,847
    Windows 10 Pro. 64/ version 1709 Windows 7 Pro/64
       #5
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  6. Posts : 9
    Win7 home prem 64bit
    Thread Starter
       #6

    external SATA drive


    Amazon has a cable that attaches to a SATA slot on the motherboard, with a metal bracket that takes the place of the metal thing that has to be removed to install a card. This short cable is the data cable for the harddrive. There is also a short power cable without the metal bracket. it's 2ft long and attaches to the harddrive thus eliminating the need for a USB cable. These cables should give me both data and power. I am not even close to a computer whiz, but it appears to me that setup should get my SATA haddrive up and running, is this not correct? If not tell me where it all went wrong. Thanks DonS
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  7. Posts : 1,670
    win 10
       #7

    sounds to me that the other cable should be connected to the power supply. can you give a link to the thing you bought?
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  8. Posts : 9
    Win7 home prem 64bit
    Thread Starter
       #8

    SATA harddrive


    I have not purchased anything yet, still trying to find out if this setup mode will work. If I'm close to right using power from a source from inside the computer will power the drive. Using the SATA data cable source from the motherboard should allow the computer to see the attached Win7 formatted harddrive. I really do not know for sure this will or would work. The intenal hard drive has two cables to operate it, data and power and of course grounded to the computer case. I may not see this from a logical point of view, just common sense. DonS
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 3,371
    W10 Pro desktop, W11 laptop, W11 Pro tablet (all 64-bit)
       #9

    So you went from asking about an external drive housing to running wires out the back of the case to power a bare drive? It will work but won't be the best arrangement. You asked about kits and I posted a link to several enclosures that would be a very good solution for you.

    Is this the connector you are talking about that you saw on Amazon? Amazon.com: StarTech.com Low Profile SATA to eSATA Plate Adapter (ESATAPLT1LP): Electronics

    It doesn't matter whether power comes from within the computer or not, only the data cable actually needs to connect physically to the computer.
    Last edited by strollin; 30 Mar 2015 at 23:33.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 13,576
    Windows 10 Pro x64
       #10

    dswaff said:
    I have not purchased anything yet, still trying to find out if this setup mode will work. If I'm close to right using power from a source from inside the computer will power the drive. Using the SATA data cable source from the motherboard should allow the computer to see the attached Win7 formatted harddrive. I really do not know for sure this will or would work. The intenal hard drive has two cables to operate it, data and power and of course grounded to the computer case. I may not see this from a logical point of view, just common sense. DonS
    So then, why not just install the hard drive inside the computer then ?

    Jack gave you an excellent link to do it right.

    Once again, you don not have to ground a hard drive.
      My Computer


 
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