SATA

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

I want to use the available internal SATA connector on my Dimension 5100c to
connect to devices externally. Can I just run a cable from the internal
connector to outside the case? The machine has an available 3.5" bay (no
floppy) and I could remove the plate and run it through there. Alternatively
I could remove the bracket from the sole remaining PCI x slot and run the
cable through that opening. What are the drawbacks of doing something like
this? I know there are cheap PCI brackets available that would allow me to
install an external port, but those are too big and would not fit the
bracket opening in the back. I could use one of those brackets allow them
simply hang from behind the machine but I don't see how that would be
different from simply running the cable all the way through.

TIA

Gabriel

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

"Gabriel" wrote:
> "Patrick L. Parks" wrote back:
>> Gabriel wrote:
>>> I want to use the available internal SATA connector on my
>>> Dimension 5100c to connect to devices externally. Can I
>>> just run a cable from the internal connector to outside the
>>> case? The machine has an available 3.5" bay (no floppy)
>>> and I could remove the plate and run it through there.
>>> Alternatively I could remove the bracket from the sole
>>> remaining PCI x slot and run the cable through that opening.
>>> What are the drawbacks of doing something like this?
>>> I know there are cheap PCI brackets available that would
>>> allow me to install an external port, but those are too big
>>> and would not fit the bracket opening in the back. I could use
>>> one of those brackets allow them simply hang from behind
>>> the machine but I don't see how that would be different from
>>> simply running the cable all the way through.
>>>
>>> Gabriel
>>>
>>>
>> No problem with running the cable out the back. The only
>> concern might be power. if the device needs to be powered
>> from the PC, you will need to also get power out there. If the
>> device has it's own power supply that plugs into a wall outlet,
>> you will be just fine.
>>
> Thanks Patrick,
> Yes, I would be using an external enclosure with its own power
> supply. There are extension power cables available that would
> allow me to draw power from the motherboard too but it would
> be weird having a bare drive just sitting out there without an
> enclosure. Can that be done?


It would probably overheat if not not mounted vertically and
free of obstructions. THIS is what you need:
http://kingwin.com/pdut_detail.asp [...] =52&ID=246
Nextag.com shows them being sold for less than $35.

*TimDaniels*