eSATA compatability question

[McPhisto]

I have an Epox EP-9NPA+ULTRA motherboard which I dont think is eSATA compatible.
http://www.epox.com/USA/product.asp?id=EP-9NPAplusULTRA

I have an eSATA backplate and an external HDD enclosure which has USB2 and eSATA connections.
Will I be able to connect the extHDD using the eSATA connection without causing any problems?
I'm under the impression that I should be able to use eSATA, providing I connect/disconnect it while the PC is turned off.
Can anyone confirm whether this is correct or not?

 

[rockchalk]

The biggest issue I've run into when using an eSata device connected to regular Sata ports is cable length-- keep it within Sata specs, 1 meter (shorter is definitely better), instead of eSata specs, which allow 2 meter lengths.

Hot-plugging shouldn't be a problem. After plugging a new device in, you might have to go into disk manager and "Scan for Plug n Play Hardware" for the driver to find the disk.

 

[McPhisto]

Thanks, rockchalk. Sorry I haven't replied sooner but somehow I missed the email notification.

Can hot-plugging a drive do any damage to the motherboard, drive or OS, if for some reason there is a problem?