Sean, Not sure if I have a specific answer to any of your questions. So here are just some thoughts about eSATA off the top of my head. Hope some or at least one helps.
1) Yes, eSATA is just SATA (pretty much). The cable specs are slightly different in attempt to avoid EMI and perhaps cover longer distances. But the protocol used on that cable is the same as on the internal SATA cables. 2) What matters in terms of eSATA is the capabilities of the controller, not of the hard drive. Any controller will let you power off, connect a drive via eSATA, and power up. It would be treated the same as if you mounted the drive inside the machine. To be able to hot-plug a drive and even more so to "eject" the drive after it is attached the controller needs to support AHCI (Advanced Host Control Interface). You didn't mention what hardware you have so I have no idea about it's capabilities. 3) As for performance, who knows? Without having at least a vague idea what controllers and hard drives you would be working with, it's hard to even speculate. 4) Every SATA to eSATA bracket I have seen out there is just a SATA to eSATA cable that is screwed to a bracket. Unscrew the bracket and you've got a cable. Just something consider when you decide how much to pay for a "cable". Getting a bracket and detaching the cable may be cheaper if you decide to get creative in your modding. 5) They also make Front Panel type extensions which include eSATA ports. Again, don't know if that makes even a little sense in your context. I think my main question about your question is, what SATA controller are you thinking of connecting your cable to? The answer to that will probably determine how useful it may be to you. FWIW, -irrational john -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
