How to Connect an eSATA External Hard Drive
By Gabriel Dockery
With the increasing popularity of external SATA devices that connect using the eSATA specifications, it is important for computer users to acclimate themselves with this growing technology. The eSATA specification allows computer devices to be connected externally, using the same internal transfer protocols of internal hard drives. Luckily, this high bandwidth external data interface is extremely easy to use by computer users of all levels.
Step 1
Ensure that your eSATA hard drive is unplugged.
Step 2
Connect the eSATA cable from the back of the external hard drive to the eSATA connector on your computer. This connector is usually found on the rear face of the computer, and is keyed to allow connection in only one orientation.
Step 3
Plug you eSATA hard drive into the electrical outlet, and turn on any power switches.
Step 4
Wait for your computer to recognize the eSATA drive, and install any necessary drivers for it.
Step 5
Transfer a file to and from the drive, if this is the first connection to the computer to test the drive's functionality.
References
Tips
- eSATA drives are capable of high transfer speeds, and as such, make a great storage place for movies and non essential programs such as video games.
Warnings
- While eSATA drives offer great performance and mobility, it is ill advised to install critical system programs and files on them, as external hard drives are still slower than their internal counterparts.
Writer Bio
Gabriel Dockery began writing in 2009, with his work published on various websites. He is working toward a Bachelor of Science in neuroscience in a transfer program between Ivy Tech College and Indiana State University.