ESATA external hard drive on Windows XP, request for advice

[M]

I would like to add an ESATA external hard drive to my PC as I have found
both USB2 and Firewire drives too slow and often more plug and pray than
plug and play.
My PC does not have any SATA ports so I propose to add an PCI card (no PCI
express on my motherboard!) and would welcome suggestions, I have already
looked at:

Sunsway/ST Lab PCI SATA 2P eSATA/SATA, SiL3512
http://www.komplett.co.uk/k/ki.aspx?sku=336525

eSATA II-150 PCI
http://www.siig.com/ViewProduct.aspx?pn=SC-SA2012-S1

as far as I am concerning the more ports the better!

I intend to install a Hitachi Deskstar 1,000GB into an eMagic HD Enclosure
for 3.5" SATA which the manufacturer has confirmed has been tested with this
drive.

What I would like to ask is there anything I need to know before I attempt
this, has anyone already done this?

Thanks.

 

[R. McCarty]

I use a PCI SATA add-in card. It hosts two separate external drives.
Performance is very good and comparable to my motherboard based
SATA-II for my internal drives.
About the only thing to consider is that SATA connectors on the "L"
type cables are easy to dislodge. Newer cables have a locking clip to
keep the cables from coming loose. Also it helps to install the PCI
card in one of the "Independent IRQ" slots on your motherboard. On
most motherboards this is usually Slots #2 & 5, but it's best to check
your documentation.

 

[Shenan Stanley]

I would like to add an ESATA external hard drive to my PC as I have
found both USB2 and Firewire drives too slow and often more plug
and pray than plug and play.
My PC does not have any SATA ports so I propose to add an PCI card
(no PCI express on my motherboard!) and would welcome suggestions,
I have already looked at:

Sunsway/ST Lab PCI SATA 2P eSATA/SATA, SiL3512
http://www.komplett.co.uk/k/ki.aspx?sku=336525

eSATA II-150 PCI
http://www.siig.com/ViewProduct.aspx?pn=SC-SA2012-S1

as far as I am concerning the more ports the better!

I intend to install a Hitachi Deskstar 1,000GB into an eMagic HD
Enclosure for 3.5" SATA which the manufacturer has confirmed has
been tested with this drive.

What I would like to ask is there anything I need to know before I
attempt this, has anyone already done this?

Have you always used the off/inexpensive HDD enclosures?