Connecting an external SATA HDD?

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Connecting an external SATA HDD?

Is it possible to connect an external SATA hard drive (for backup purposes) to my MacBook Pro? I need to replace the enclosure on one of my externals HDDs that had a power supply failure. I've had two external HDDs daisy-chained using firewire. My local computer store tells me that I have to use USB instead. Thanks in advance for any help!

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.5.3)

Posted on Sep 20, 2008 11:07 AM

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Answer 1

TwoRaleys Author

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Sep 20, 2008 11:28 AM in response to TwoRaleys

I think I should clarify the question a little. I know I can connect using USB, but:
1. Isn't there a different connector used for SATA?
2. Can the new enclosure be daisy-chained if I use USB, i.e., daisy-chained with a second external HDD that is connected to the computer using firewire? Or do both of them need to be connected using USB?

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Answer 2

Sep 20, 2008 12:00 PM in response to TwoRaleys

To connect an eSATA drive to a MBP you need to have an expresscard 34 that has eSATA ports on it. I suspect that your dealer simply doesn't have a firewire enclosure; you can certainly buy one online!

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Answer 3

gladvlad

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Sep 20, 2008 2:19 PM in response to Kenneth Gorelick

If you are going to connect using an eSATA Express Card, you need a drive enclosure that has an eSATA connector.

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Answer 4

TwoRaleys Author

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Sep 20, 2008 4:55 PM in response to Kenneth Gorelick

Thank you, Kenneth...but can you tell me about my question #2 which is can the new enclosure be daisy-chained if I use USB, i.e., daisy-chained with a second external HDD that is connected to the computer using firewire? Or do both of them need to be connected using USB?

The additional bad news is that I went to the local dealer and bought an IDE enclosure with USB, and the blasted power adaptor is apparently bad. The power light on the adaptor in the middle of the power cord doesn't come on and there is apparently no power to the enclosure because the light on the enclosure doesn't come on either, and there is no sound from the HD...so I can't access the hard drive.

Frustration level is high.

Message was edited by: TwoRaleys

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Answer 5

Sep 20, 2008 5:04 PM in response to TwoRaleys

You can daisy-chain firewire to firewire, and USB to USB, but you cannot daisy chain through different interfaces. When you daisy chain, one HD connects to the computer, and the rest to each other. Whichever interface connects to the computer is the one you need to use between peripherals in the daisy chain.

Sounds like you need a new enclosure; if you get one, try for a FW enclosure. If the HD will connect to eSATA, then you can get an eSATA enclosure along with an eSATA expresscard. USB is the slowest HD interface on the Mac; despite the specs of USB 2, average throughput is much slower in contrast to PCs, where USB 2 and FW400 are about equal.

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Answer 6

TwoRaleys Author

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Sep 20, 2008 5:39 PM in response to Kenneth Gorelick

Thank you, Kenneth...I appreciate your time and your very helpful responses!

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Answer 7

Sep 21, 2008 4:56 AM in response to TwoRaleys

My pleasure! Good luck!

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