I recently got a 500 GB eSATA Seagate external hard drive. The problem I have is that I don't have any extra slots in my computer to install the PCI eSATA card. I therefore have no way to hook up the eSATA cable to my computer. So, I started searching for adapters. The vague instruction manual for my hard drive said that "You may need to install a PCI eSATA host adapter, if your system does not have one." I'm not sure what that's supposed to mean. Through internet searches, I found the USB to SATA (Serial ATA) Converter Kit, which is supposed to work for any 3.5" SATA hard drive. Here's one website that had it: http://insidecomputer.stores.yahoo.net/seatasatousb.html I was wondering if this adapter or perhaps a simliar one would work for my situation or if I simply bought the wrong type of hard drive? Any input would be appreciated.

Thank you,
Tristan Howard

This approach negates the advantage of eSATA and will leave you only with the speed of any USB external disk. I would have a serious look at all the cards currently installed and their function. Maybe you have a sound card installed. You could consider pulling that and use on board sound. Maybe you have a PCI fire wire card installed. Do you need it? Would on board fire wire be sufficient?

Harm,

Thanks for the information. I figured I'd lose the speed advantage. All I want is a way to back up my files and I'm not too concerned with speed. Unfortunately, I'm still pretty ignorant when it comes to this stuff. I think I'll stick with all my cards and just get an adapter.

Regards,
Tristan

Another option: Upgrade.

In a similiar situation on an old pc, I had a two channel promise ATA 133 PCI board for extra ATA drives. I swapped that out for a four channel eSATA PCI and purchased two bridge adaptors for the ATA's and had two ports available for external eSATA drives.

BTW I also house the sata drives in the Icy Dock enclosures. They are fanless, but well designed and keep the drives cool.

The USB converter kit I got is worthless as none of its connectors fit into my external hard drive and it appears as if I need the driver card. Are there any adapters that would work for my situation without me having to use the card that came with the supposedly external hard drive?

I ended up taking out an internet card and the hard drive works fine.