Unable to get eSATA to work reliably in GT780DX

Only got it to work once and that was using only drivers from Windows Update (no MSI drivers)

If I try to boot with it I can't access it even if I can see it in device manager. If I try to *reboot* with it attached it hangs the system (not freezes, hangs)

Does anyone know any trick to get it to work, I would love to have more external storage connected via eSATA!

BIOS is set to AHCI

I'm thinking it could just be the 3.5" enclosure I'm using (by Hornettek)...or maybe a special driver is needed...

I currently have all of the recommended MSI chipset and Intel drivers..

Thanks!

 

My eSata in GT70 0NE is driven by default Microsoft driver (6.3.9600.18758, Win8.1) and no problems at all - can boot from a system clone inserted there; naturally dead slow to boot compared to main SSD. But my external box is a LaCie d2 Quadra, known for quality hardware. Another eSata in a Fantec box works, too. My Intel RST is quite old 12.9.0.1001. Perhaps your box is at fault.

 

Sorry but the eSata port of notebooks do not have sufficient power to power 3.5" drives. Notebooks only run at 5v while desktop eSata ports run at 12V, since 3.5" HDD's need 12V to power on you're out of luck unless you get yourself a 2.5" drive.

 

I suppose all 3.5" external boxes do use AC adapters. At least mine do.

 

Yup, generally you will need to use external power with eSATA drives.

 

Well the eSATA port on the back has to be there for a reason...

Although my external 3.5" drive enclosure is A/C powered and are connected via eSATA I still have trouble..

However, I read that if I connect the USB 2.0 cable simultaneously it may work, going to try when I get back