E-SATA hard disk

[rhschmitt]

How do I connect an esata hard disk to a Windows PC. What is the advantage of using a SATA cable as opposed to a USB-2 cable, if there is an advantage?
Thanks,
Robert

[finito]

Welcome to the forums, Please take some time to introduce yourself in http://www.daniweb.com/forums/forum165.html

What motherboard do you have, the advantage is speed.

[Xlphos]

Yes, put plainly a SATA cable would allow faster data transfer.

As far as connections you would need a computer with a E-SATA port. If were talking external hard drives E-SATA maybe faster but USB is a lot more popular; if your using the drive on different machines you have to think "Will they have a compatable port?" USB ports are near enough standard on PC's now.

[rhschmitt]

I have a Dell 518 Inspiron that's about 2 years old. The users manual states that it has a 1.5Gbps and 3.0Gbps SATA bus but there are no external connectors so I'll plan using the USB interface when the time comes. Thanks for your help.
Robert