[Cman333]

Hey guys, I'm gonna add a 1TB HDD to my comp. I asked a buddy to help, but he's too lazy and told me to learn myself. So here I am.


I was thinking this one:
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=35676&vpn=WD10EADS&manufacture=Western%20Digital%20WD&promoid=1015

or the WD Caviar Black. Suggestions?

So I think I can figure out how to mount it in the case and stuff. I'm not too sure where or how to plug it in, and more specifically..... what do I need to do to get the drive working? It's a slave drive, so the OS is not going to be running on it. This is the 5th HDD going in if that matters.

[Nitroholic]

it's not rocket science

open the computer, set the jumper to slave, put the drive in, plug in power and SATA, ???, profit

[.Renn.Sport]

there is no master and slave on sata drives....

[Cman333]

That's it? Don't need to set anything up in BIOS? Windows? No need to format or test?

I haven't ever built a comp before, car/home audio is my thing. PC's irk me.

[johny]

5th HD?? WTH... you might be out of sata plugs on the mother board by now. and power supply plugs.

[Cman333]

there is no master and slave on sata drives....

Ohh. Heh heh. I don't know this shit as you can tell.

[ddr]

if you're 'adding' a hd u can just right click on the drive in windows and select format

it's actually quite fool proof because the connectors only fit one way (ie. the 'L' shapes, one long one short for SATA), maybe you can look at ur original hd for reference.
1) sata cable one end to your motherboard, one end to your harddrive
2) sata power cable from your power supply plug into your harddrive. if you don't have an extra connector check if your motherboard came with an extra adapter or purchase one at the store.

the only confusing part would be your case. if it's an old plain case it's just 2+ screws holding your harddive, if it has a drive cage or rails you need to play around with it a bit as every case is different

also make sure ur mb has sata, it probably does

when in doubt you can always take pictures of the extra cables available in your case, maybe a model no. of your case and motherboard.....

[Cman333]

5th HD?? WTH... you might be out of sata plugs on the mother board by now. and power supply plugs.

Oh fuck really? I have an Asus P5K ATX LG775 P35

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?manufacture=ASUS&sku=24495&vpn=P5K

I'm not too sure what I need to look for in the specs.


Note: I realized I fucked up. I only have 3 HDD's. I saw another sata (I think its sata) cable but thats going to the DVD drive which I mistook for a HDD.

[Cman333]

if you're 'adding' a hd u can just right click on the drive in windows and select format

it's actually quite fool proof because the connectors only fit one way (ie. the 'L' shapes, one long one short for SATA), maybe you can look at ur original hd for reference.
1) sata cable one end to your motherboard, one end to your harddrive
2) sata power cable from your power supply plug into your harddrive. if you don't have an extra connector check if your motherboard came with an extra adapter or purchase one at the store.

the only confusing part would be your case. if it's an old plain case it's just 2+ screws holding your harddive, if it has a drive cage or rails you need to play around with it a bit as every case is different

also make sure ur mb has sata, it probably does

when in doubt you can always take pictures of the extra cables available in your case, maybe a model no. of your case and motherboard.....



Perfect I think that's all I need to know. I'm sure I can manage the plugs. I just wasn't sure if I need to enter BIOS or whether there was a special way to format.

So basically, wire up the SATA cable from mobo to HDD, then PSU to HDD. Format in windows and everything so be gravy?

Damn, I thought you had to do alot more then that.

I have an Antec 900 case (which sucks if anyone plans on buying it to make space for bigger video cards ie. 9800GTX)

Asus PsK ATX LG775 P35

Running Window Vista 64 if that helps.


Thanks man, you've been very helpful

[.Renn.Sport]

you just need to goto bios to check if your mobo detects the new drive

if its detected, then all you need to do is goto disk management in windows and format/partition the drive

[way2quik]

Format takes 3 hours.
It took me over 3 hours for my 1.5TB. I did this in Windows, also Vista x64 user.

[Eclypz]

Format takes 3 hours.
It took me over 3 hours for my 1.5TB. I did this in Windows, also Vista x64 user.
not if you select the option for a quick format, which takes no more than 10 seconds.
I've been doing quick formats on all my HDDs (new and old) for the past 3 years and have never run into a single problem.

[JdmProbe]

Oh fuck really? I have an Asus P5K ATX LG775 P35

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?manufacture=ASUS&sku=24495&vpn=P5K

I'm not too sure what I need to look for in the specs.


Note: I realized I fucked up. I only have 3 HDD's. I saw another sata (I think its sata) cable but thats going to the DVD drive which I mistook for a HDD.

I only see 4 sata connectors on that mobo...

[John]

There is a 5th one under the video card slot, near the back of the case. It's on the JMicron controller.

[syee]

On the NCIX page:
Number of IDE Interfaces: 1

Number of SATA Interfaces: 5

If he's got 3 drives (and assuming that he has a single DVD/CD drive that's using SATA) he should be good.

[Bender Unit]

may be take a look of this deal today before you pull the tricker on 1TB

http://accessories.dell.com/sna/products/System_Drives/productdetail.aspx?c=ca&l=en&s=bsd&cs=cabsdt1&sku=A2021879

[John]

I would wait another month before buying a Seagate HD. Everything got screwed up there and it still hasn't completely settled. I think things will be OK soon. You will need to update firmware.
http://it.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=1098793&threshold=1&commentsort=0&mode=thread&cid=26542735

[Cman333]

I would wait another month before buying a Seagate HD. Everything got screwed up there and it still hasn't completely settled. I think things will be OK soon. You will need to update firmware.
http://it.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=1098793&threshold=1&commentsort=0&mode=thread&cid=26542735



Yeah I originally wanted the 1.5TB, but that Seagate apparently is horrible. 50% failure ratio, pain in the ass for RMA, etc. It's been quite awhile since it's realease and the problem still isn't cured.

So I figured I would go with the WD, since it seems to be the most reliable and headache free

[Cman333]

you just need to goto bios to check if your mobo detects the new drive

if its detected, then all you need to do is goto disk management in windows and format/partition the drive



How does one get into BIOS?

[Cman333]

There is a 5th one under the video card slot, near the back of the case. It's on the JMicron controller.



I tried to look but don't see anything that resembled a sata port. I looked where you described.

Where's this JMicron controller on the board?

http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/7550/24495fpd1.jpg (http://www.imagehosting.com/)

Thanks

[lilaznviper]

right between the 2 pci slots look up a bit and u will see it

[Cman333]

right between the 2 pci slots look up a bit and u will see it

No wonder I can't see it. The stupid video card blocks the way. :cry:

Fuck that's a stupid place to put it. Man, I'm starting to think that adding a new HDD isn't quite possible. Any ideas on how I can somehow add one?

I know this might sound dumb, but I assume you can't split a sata port? or wire it differently?

Thanks for the help guys.

[Soundy]

Get one of these: http://www.a-power.com/product-5359-251-4

Put the drive in it, plug it into a USB port, and you're golden.

(Actually, you'll probably need to partition the drive as well, before you can format it, but that's easy to do too).

[Cman333]

Get one of these: http://www.a-power.com/product-5359-251-4

Put the drive in it, plug it into a USB port, and you're golden.

(Actually, you'll probably need to partition the drive as well, before you can format it, but that's easy to do too).

Funny you mentioned that. I was looking at drive enclosures too lol. I was thinking of pulling the smallest HDD out and putting in the enclosure. Then installing the 1TB into the comp.

Does anyone know if I just pull out my smallest HDD in the enclosure, will all the data remain intact? Or am I forced to format it? (which only has movies on it, no programs or OS)

[Soundy]

Should stay completely intact. The only reason you need to partition and format the new drive is that it comes un-partitioned.

[Cman333]

K perfect. Think that's what I'm gonna do.

Do all external cases need a power supply plugged in. Or can USB or IEEE1394 power it?

[twitchyzero]

^ most only need one USB wire for data and power.

for eSata...i have usb power to supplement it.

it's best you take out one of your HDD...cause you really dont need 5 after you one of them is a 1TB :)

Where did you read that Seagate was crap? I love my Seagate and actually ahd a bad experience with WD

[Cman333]

^ most only need one USB wire for data and power.

for eSata...i have usb power to supplement it.

it's best you take out one of your HDD...cause you really dont need 5 after you one of them is a 1TB :)

Where did you read that Seagate was crap? I love my Seagate and actually ahd a bad experience with WD


Well I read about it on NCIX. Then googled it, and found that it's a common problem in the exisiting 1TB and 1.5TB model Baracuda series. I'm not too tech savvy so I don't want to have to swap HDD all the time and/or upgrade firmware constantly.

http://seagate.custkb.com/seagate/crm/selfservice/search.jsp?DocId=207931

Apparently the Caviar Black series from WD is one of the most reliable 1TB HDD's out there, and for $20 more I'd rather skip the possible frustrations down the road. I've never had any issues with any hard drives ever before. Currently have a Samsung, WD and a Seagate. But all of them are <750GB.


So this with this Vantec enclosure I won't have to plug it in to a 120V wall outlet? Usb 2.0 can power the HDD+enclsoure? I just saw the pic with the wall plug and thought "oh great another plug". I have too much shit by my comp and don't want to go and buy a 3rd surge protector cuz the existing two are full lol. Too much clutter already.


Sorry for all the questions guys. Just like to be thorough and actually try and learn how to do this properly. :) :haha:

[Eclypz]

^ most only need one USB wire for data and power.

for eSata...i have usb power to supplement it.

it's best you take out one of your HDD...cause you really dont need 5 after you one of them is a 1TB :)

Where did you read that Seagate was crap? I love my Seagate and actually ahd a bad experience with WD
Are you sure about that?

Most of the USB powered enclosures i've seen are only for 2.5" drives (laptop drives).
Laptop drives are dog slow, and expensive compared to the 3.5" drives.

3.5" drives require 12V, and I'm pretty sure a USB port cannot provide that kind of power....maybe 5V max?

Either way, I have yet to come across a USB powered 3.5" drive enclosure.

[Eclypz]

Well I read about it on NCIX. Then googled it, and found that it's a common problem in the exisiting 1TB and 1.5TB model Baracuda series. I'm not too tech savvy so I don't want to have to swap HDD all the time and/or upgrade firmware constantly.

http://seagate.custkb.com/seagate/crm/selfservice/search.jsp?DocId=207931

Apparently the Caviar Black series from WD is one of the most reliable 1TB HDD's out there, and for $20 more I'd rather skip the possible frustrations down the road. I've never had any issues with any hard drives ever before. Currently have a Samsung, WD and a Seagate. But all of them are <750GB.


So this with this Vantec enclosure I won't have to plug it in to a 120V wall outlet? Usb 2.0 can power the HDD+enclsoure? I just saw the pic with the wall plug and thought "oh great another plug". I have too much shit by my comp and don't want to go and buy a 3rd surge protector cuz the existing two are full lol. Too much clutter already.


Sorry for all the questions guys. Just like to be thorough and actually try and learn how to do this properly. :) :haha:
Caviar Black series are also a pretty damn fast :)
As for that Vantec enclosure being USB powered...see my post just above this one.
Short answer: I don't think its USB powered.

and here's a link on the problem Seagate drives are having:
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/01/16/barracuda_failure_plague/

And to make matters worse, the firmware fix they released crippled the drives of users trying to be proactive by flashing this "new firmware" to prevent the failure from happening.

[Cman333]

Doh. I wonder if an enclosure with IEEE aka Firewire could do so. IEEE can do 12V

[syee]

Well I read about it on NCIX. Then googled it, and found that it's a common problem in the exisiting 1TB and 1.5TB model Baracuda series. I'm not too tech savvy so I don't want to have to swap HDD all the time and/or upgrade firmware constantly.

http://seagate.custkb.com/seagate/crm/selfservice/search.jsp?DocId=207931

Apparently the Caviar Black series from WD is one of the most reliable 1TB HDD's out there, and for $20 more I'd rather skip the possible frustrations down the road. I've never had any issues with any hard drives ever before. Currently have a Samsung, WD and a Seagate. But all of them are <750GB.


So this with this Vantec enclosure I won't have to plug it in to a 120V wall outlet? Usb 2.0 can power the HDD+enclsoure? I just saw the pic with the wall plug and thought "oh great another plug". I have too much shit by my comp and don't want to go and buy a 3rd surge protector cuz the existing two are full lol. Too much clutter already.


Sorry for all the questions guys. Just like to be thorough and actually try and learn how to do this properly. :) :haha:

All 3.5" hard drives will require a wall outlet/AC power pack because of their power requirements. I have a 3.5" Acomdata enclosure that has both USB and firewire and both connection methods require that I plug in the AC adapter.

The 2.5" ones will depend on which ones you get. I have a Seagate Free Agent Pro drive and it only requires one USB plug. I also have a Vantec CX and that requires 2. I think it really depends on what drive they throw in there. USB specs say that it can only spit out 5V at 500mA. If you drive's peak power requirements call for more than 500mA then you're going to end up not having enough juice to power the drive.

As for speed requirements, the bottleneck will be the USB bus. Even though it claims 480mb/s, it gets nowhere near that due to other devices on the USB bus using the bandwidth. Even the slowest of hard drives should be able to keep up with the maximum USB bus speed.

[Nvasion]

isnt it bad to leave a external harddrive on all day?

[Soundy]

Depends if it has good cooling. We have several of them added to DVRs seeing pretty constant service, read/write for weeks at a time, using those aluminum Nexstar cases... no problems.

[ddr]

I left a little 200 gb on for at least 2yrs bt-ing, so they built to handle the abuse.
I'd think about how many free usb ports u have since i only have two free for flash drives. Also if ur worried abt speed i remember the vantec usb esata version comes with an esata bracket which extends the esata hole from ur mobo to the back of ur case and it should b identical to plugging it in ur mobo

Still have to open up ur case but it might give u some sort of portability without sacrifiicng speed or a usb port

[Cman333]

Thanks for all the tips/advice guys. This is really helping alot.

I remember seeing eSata features on some of the enclosures. I'm not exactly sure what that is.

Looking at my mobo specs I dont see anything that says there's an eSata port on it.

[Cman333]

I/O Expansions
Expansion Slots: 2 x PCI Express x16
3 x PCI
1 x PCI Express x1

Interfaces/Ports
Back Panel Interfaces: 1 x mini-DIN
6 x Type A USB 2.0 USB
1 x SATA
1 x S/PDIF Out
1 x RJ-45 Network
1 x Mini-phone Microphone
1 x IEEE 1394a FireWire
4 x Mini-phone Audio Line Out
1 x Mini-phone Audio Line In

Front Panel Interfaces: 1 x Power LED
1 x HDD LED
1 x On/Off Switch
1 x Reset Switch
1 x Speaker
3 x USB Header
1 x COM1
1 x FireWire Header
1 x Audio Header
1 x S/PDIF Out
1 x Chassis Intrusion Switch
1 x CD-in/Aux-in Connector

Number of IDE Interfaces: 1

Number of SATA Interfaces: 5

[John]

Thanks for all the tips/advice guys. This is really helping alot.

I remember seeing eSata features on some of the enclosures. I'm not exactly sure what that is.

Looking at my mobo specs I dont see anything that says there's an eSata port on it.

It's on line 9 of the above post.

[Soundy]

I'd think about how many free usb ports u have since i only have two free for flash drives.

That's what USB hubs are for.

Also if ur worried abt speed i remember the vantec usb esata version comes with an esata bracket which extends the esata hole from ur mobo to the back of ur case and it should b identical to plugging it in ur mobo

Only problem with that is, it takes one of the SATA ports on the mobo. If they're already full-up, you're no further ahead.

I remember seeing eSata features on some of the enclosures. I'm not exactly sure what that is.

"external SATA". Basically extends a cable from one of your onboard SATA connectors to an external rear-panel connector that looks similar to a USB port. External drives that support eSATA can then be plugged into that, giving you full SATA speeds. The ports are more robust than the flimsy plastic connectors on the mobo and drives, but other than that there's nothing special about it.

[Eclypz]

"external SATA". Basically extends a cable from one of your onboard SATA connectors to an external rear-panel connector that looks similar to a USB port. External drives that support eSATA can then be plugged into that, giving you full SATA speeds. The ports are more robust than the flimsy plastic connectors on the mobo and drives, but other than that there's nothing special about it.And just to add to that,
Cman333: by using eSATA, you will still need a power source, which doesn't help your needs.

[Cman333]

Oh so thats what eSata is. Basically the same thing but extended. I thought it was a completely different thing. Good to know.

Well looks like I'm stuck with trying to see if I can wedge the HDD into the comp and see if I can find a right angle sata cable thats low profile and can clear my vid card. Most likely won't work because it looks like VERY minimal clearance, and my vid card is super snug in the case (barely fit, had to hold it down with one person, as the other screwed it in).

Otherwise I'm stuck with an external and will have to use a splitter for the power or something. I'm weary about having 12+ things plugged into one wall outlet. More clutter, ugh.

Thanks for everyone's insight. Definately helped make the buying decision easier.

[twitchyzero]

Are you sure about that?

Most of the USB powered enclosures i've seen are only for 2.5" drives (laptop drives).
Laptop drives are dog slow, and expensive compared to the 3.5" drives.

3.5" drives require 12V, and I'm pretty sure a USB port cannot provide that kind of power....maybe 5V max?

Either way, I have yet to come across a USB powered 3.5" drive enclosure.

Oops..i was thinking of a 2.5" cause he said a "smaller" HDD...i guess he meant in capacity. D'oh!

Yeah i think USB only supports 5V...i didnt know 2.5" was a lot slower than 3.5"...even if they have same spec for cache and rpm?

[Soundy]

Oh so thats what eSata is. Basically the same thing but extended. I thought it was a completely different thing. Good to know.

Well looks like I'm stuck with trying to see if I can wedge the HDD into the comp and see if I can find a right angle sata cable thats low profile and can clear my vid card. Most likely won't work because it looks like VERY minimal clearance, and my vid card is super snug in the case (barely fit, had to hold it down with one person, as the other screwed it in).

Otherwise I'm stuck with an external and will have to use a splitter for the power or something. I'm weary about having 12+ things plugged into one wall outlet. More clutter, ugh.

Well from the sound of it, your motherboard DOES have an eSATA connector on the back panel, so if the external case you get has eSATA, you can use that, but yes, you will still need to power it from something. Actually, you'll probably need to power the USB drive as well, so there's no getting away from that.

12+ things probably isn't an issue if most of them are low-current... just need another power bar!

Oops..i was thinking of a 2.5" cause he said a "smaller" HDD...i guess he meant in capacity. D'oh!

Yeah i think USB only supports 5V...i didnt know 2.5" was a lot slower than 3.5"...even if they have same spec for cache and rpm?

2.5" laptop drives are almost all 5400 rpm, while 3.5" drives are commonly 7200rpm... that's why they're slower.

[ddr]

almost is right, they have several 7200rpm 2.5" drives

while it's ok to plug in printers and flash drives in usb hubs, 2.5" drives might not be seen if plugged in a hub

[syee]

almost is right, they have several 7200rpm 2.5" drives

while it's ok to plug in printers and flash drives in usb hubs, 2.5" drives might not be seen if plugged in a hub

That's true. Might not be enough juice to power the drive, especially if it's powered through the USB port. If you want to plug it into a hub, I'd highly suggest using a USB hub that is externally powered so that all devices get enough power to it (especially the hard drive)

Having the hard drive not get sufficient power will cause the drive to power down during usage, causing corruption of your data.

If you're running out of SATA slots, I'd consider one of the following:
*Consolidate your drives. If you have a number of smaller drives in there, buy one larger drive and consolidate them all into the one drive. This way you're not limited to the constraints of the number of SATA ports.
*Buy a PCI SATA controller. This should give you up to 4 more extra ports to use.

External drive is nice, but as you mentioned, you want to reduce your clutter. It's worth considering though if you move files around a lot or need your data accessible from anywhere.

[twitchyzero]

Well if any one ever considers getting a 2.5" HDD..get an external enclousure that supports both eSata and USB. I'm really satisfied with mine.

2.5" laptop drives are almost all 5400 rpm, while 3.5" drives are commonly 7200rpm... that's why they're slower.

the one i have is 7200rpm..they're at a decent price now. Most were 5400rpm b/c of overheating issues in laptops.

[Cman333]

That's true. Might not be enough juice to power the drive, especially if it's powered through the USB port. If you want to plug it into a hub, I'd highly suggest using a USB hub that is externally powered so that all devices get enough power to it (especially the hard drive)

Having the hard drive not get sufficient power will cause the drive to power down during usage, causing corruption of your data.

If you're running out of SATA slots, I'd consider one of the following:
*Consolidate your drives. If you have a number of smaller drives in there, buy one larger drive and consolidate them all into the one drive. This way you're not limited to the constraints of the number of SATA ports.
*Buy a PCI SATA controller. This should give you up to 4 more extra ports to use.

External drive is nice, but as you mentioned, you want to reduce your clutter. It's worth considering though if you move files around a lot or need your data accessible from anywhere.



Whoa. Sweet. I didn't know such a beast existed. Thanks. I don't really need a portable drive because all my comps are connected on the network so I have access to them anyways.

LOL I wish someone mentioned this earlier. Would've help my decision eay earlier. LOL

Something like this what I need?
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=19892&vpn=SY%2DSA3114%2D4R&manufacture=Syba

I'm not sure what this RAID stuff is. So I'm not sure if this is compatible.

[syee]

Something like this what I need?
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=19892&vpn=SY%2DSA3114%2D4R&manufacture=Syba

I'm not sure what this RAID stuff is. So I'm not sure if this is compatible.

Yep, that's exactly what I'm referring to. You don't have to use it in a RAID configuration, but the option is there for you. It's just for redundancy. You'll only be using it for the extra ports.

As long as you got somewhere to mount your drives, and available power connectors to power the drive, you'll be fine. Cabling might look a little messy with the add-in card, but at least you got a few more ports available.

[Cman333]

K thanks man. I'll try and figure it out which route to go. I have space for another 2-3 HDD's. But it never occured to me I wouldn't have enough ports and/or power connectors.

Doh all the hassles.

[syee]

K thanks man. I'll try and figure it out which route to go. I have space for another 2-3 HDD's. But it never occured to me I wouldn't have enough ports and/or power connectors.

Doh all the hassles.

You should be fine with the power connectors. If you don't have enough SATA power connectors, buy one of these:

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=9494&vpn=SATA%2DPWR&manufacture=Others

That should give you another SATA power connector from the 3 pin molex connectors.

[Cman333]

This is my PSU
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=26414&vpn=CMPSU-650TX&manufacture=CORSAIR

Interfaces/Ports
Receptacles: 1 x 24-pin ATX Motherboard
2 x 4-pin ATX12V Motherboard
2 x 8-pin PCI-E
8 x Serial ATA
8 x 4-pin LP4 Peripheral Device
2 x 4-pin SP4 Floppy Drive



Does that mean I have 8 x sata power connectors?

[syee]

^^yep...sure does!

You should be good with the power connectors. Plenty there for another few more SATA devices on top of what you have already!

[Cman333]

K perfect.

Thanks everyone that helped edumacate me ;)

[John]

The other alternatives are:
1) remove 1 existing HD to make room.
2) buy a new DVD drive that is IDE to free up a SATA port.

I would prefer either of these to hooking up an external drive.

[skyxx]

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=29859&vpn=ST0005U&manufacture=THERMALTAKE <---Get something like this

It doesn't have to be from Thermaltake, there are cheaper alternatives too :)

[Eclypz]

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=29859&vpn=ST0005U&manufacture=THERMALTAKE <---Get something like this

It doesn't have to be from Thermaltake, there are cheaper alternatives too :)
lol...kind of off-topic, but it reminded me of something funny.

I was at NCIX picking up my order, and this guy in front of me was making a HUGE deal about this Thermaltake dock.

He kept arguing with the sales guy that the docking station was "too fast" and was "made of plastic", which causes the HDD to overheat and therefore "freeze" his CPU (his exact words)....The sales guy rebutled for a bit, and to confirm, he asked the technician in the back (in chinese) if the issue sounded realistic...
The technician obviously said "no way" (in chinese), but the sale guy gave the guy a refund anyways because there was a huge line forming.

But "too fast" and "made of plastic" causing the computer to freeze??? lol

bah...it doesn't sound as funny after I typed it all up, but it was one of things that was funny at the time....the guy walked-in acting like a "know it all", with this weird accent, and hearing the sales guy talk about the issue with the technician in chinese trying not to laugh....

[Cman333]

Whoa....wtf a HDD Dock???? HAAAAAAAAAAA. Never knew such a beast existed. Seems like I have a million choices.

Damn.

Options:
1. See if I can squeeze it in the case and plug the HDD in the last sata port
2. Pull out the smallest and replace with 1TB HDD, put the smallest in external case
3. Buy PCI controller
4. Buy HDD dock
5. buy a new DVD drive that is IDE to free up a SATA port

They all run the same price. $30+

Decisions decisions. Damn pr0n takes up too much space....oops....I mean my office documents and stuff.

;)

[Soundy]

Decisions decisions. Damn pr0n takes up too much space....oops....I mean my office documents and stuff.

;)


Yeah... if you work for Vivid ;)

[Cman333]

heh heh

If I was to buy an esata enclosure......then I would need a SATA to eSata cable to connect to the back? Or esata to esata? The ends look the bloody same. I thought it was the same end.

But if I was just hooking up an HDD internally, I would need a SATA to SATA correct?