What is my External SATA port used for?

artismobile
artismobile used Ask the Experts™
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I have a port on the outside of my computer SATA (picture attached) What is it used for?  I though it was something you could connect a hard drive to ahd copy information to the computer. If it is, it doesn't work. a cord goes from this port directly to the motherboard. Is it connected right? if so, what do I use it for?

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artismobile

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Commented:
here are the pictures
1.jpg
2.jpg
Tony Giangreco
Commented:
It allows you to connect an external E-Sata hard drive or dvd drive.
DavidPresident
Top Expert 2010
Commented:
You can get an empty eSATA enclosure for $20 or so at most office supply and computer dealers.   Then put your own SATA disk in them.  I would avoid eSATA enclosures that come bundled with a HDD.  You have no idea what you are buying on the inside.
Commented:
Ensure your motherboard's BIOS is configured so that the motherboard SATA port supports AHCI. Without that, hot-swap won't work and it will defeat the purpose of having eSATA.

Also, when you plug in a hard drive in the eSATA port (or any hot-swap enabled SATA port on your motherboard for that matter), Windows won't just pop up the new drive "plug and play" style. You need to go into Device Manager right click on your computer name and click "Scan for hardware changes". After the new disk is discovered, go into Disk Management and mount the disk onto a drive letter.

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