Archive notice: This article was originally published on June 23, 2008. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
When it comes to connecting high-performance external hard drives, eSATA is the standard. Numerous external storage solutions that connect to computers via eSATA are already available. Yet Apple still supplies its professional Mac Pro computers without an eSATA interface. Even so, today’s professional Macs already contain unused potential: up to six SATA hard drives can be connected directly to the logic board, but only four drives can be installed inside the case. Sonnet’s eSATA Extender Cable makes the most of the surplus connectors and converts them into two sought-after eSATA interfaces.
The eSATA Extender Cable plugs quickly and easily into the free SATA connectors on the logic board. As with a conventional expansion card, the bracket with the two eSATA ports is then secured to the rear of the Mac Pro. eSATA drives can be connected immediately, without any additional driver installation or configuration. Sonnet also includes detailed installation instructions.
Because the Extender Cable connects directly to the motherboard, the full performance of the SATA interface is available. Data transfer is twice as fast as FireWire. The Extender Cable is significantly less expensive than eSATA controller cards. It also leaves the scarce PCI Express slots used by power users unoccupied.
eSATA Extender Cable at a glance
- Provides two eSATA interfaces on every Mac Pro and on PCs with free SATA connectors on the motherboard
- Allows two external eSATA drives to be connected with higher performance than USB or FireWire
- Direct connection to the logic board or motherboard. Other use of PCI Express slots remains unaffected
Price and availability
The Sonnet eSATA Extender Cable is available now from Apple specialist retailers and online stores at a recommended retail price of €20 including VAT.
