How to install an external SATA hard drive.

dswaff · Mar 30, 2015

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

strollin · Mar 30, 2015

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

Layback Bear · Mar 30, 2015

Take a look at Startech

I use their products for externals and hot swaps.

AddRAM · Mar 30, 2015

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

Layback Bear · Mar 30, 2015

Maybe what you are looking for.

StarTech.com USB 3.0 / eSATA 3.5 SATA III Hard Drive Enclosure w/ UASP - Storage enclosure - 3.5 - SATA 6Gb/s - 600 MBps - eSATA 6Gb/s, USB 3.0 - black at TigerDirect.com

Okay I'm done shopping.

dswaff · Mar 30, 2015

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

oscer1 · Mar 30, 2015

sounds to me that the other cable should be connected to the power supply. can you give a link to the thing you bought?

dswaff · Mar 30, 2015

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

strollin · Mar 30, 2015

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.

AddRAM · Mar 31, 2015

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.

dswaff · Mar 31, 2015

Sata hd

Asking multi questions about something of which you have little to no knowledge only makes good sense to me. I claim not to be an expert on anything but life. I have 83 years of experience at that. During that time I made a lot of mistakes for which I paid, so I really was getting multi answers and going with the best for me. There are times that the best route for me is not the best as others see it but if it works for me I'll do it my way. I sincerly appreciate the input of all that gave me their ideas for this project. Thanks DonS

How to install an external SATA hard drive.

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