up vote 1 down vote favorite
share [g+] share [fb]

I have these 3 things:

(1) An internal 3.5 SATA HDD.
(2) An independent power supply that provides a Molex style connector (i.e. 5V and 12V power) and an adapter to convert it into SATA (except that it cannot provide the 3.3V found in a SATA power connector).
(3) My PC already provides an eSATA port.

My question now is instead of purchasing an external HDD enclosure, is it possible to use my existing internal SATA 3.5 HDD, powered by my independent power supply, on my PC's eSATA port directly?

I have the impression that the external HDD enclosure is nothing more than a power supply plus protection. Is there any extra circuit required to convert from SATA->eSATA apart from a cable?

link|improve this question
38% accept rate
feedback

1 Answer

up vote 2 down vote accepted

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.

enter image description here

If you have an eSATAp port, you can just use a compatible cable and it will provide power directly from the port.

enter image description here

Here is a picture of an eSATAp to SATA cable which provides direct power from the port.

enter image description here

link|improve this answer
Are the HDD enclosures mainly for protection, power supply that has 3.3V, and perhaps providing an extra USB interface in addition to the eSATA? – JavaMan Jun 24 '11 at 14:47
AFAIK, yes, that's basically it, protection, power, and a USB interface. – Thiago M. Jun 24 '11 at 14:58
feedback

Your Answer

 
or
required, but never shown
discard

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.