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    esata port on Studio 1557

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by techifan1, Apr 30, 2010.

  1. techifan1

    techifan1 Notebook Consultant

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    Has anyone successfully used the esata port on their 1557.
    I have an esata/usb backup external drive and can not get the esata port to work. :(
     
    techifan1, Apr 30, 2010
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  2. OneCool

    OneCool I AM NUMBER 67

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    Im guessing you checked your BIOS to make sure the Esata port is enabled?

    I have been wanting to try it out myself but I havnt got around to getting a drive yet.I hope you get it straight so we can see some performance numbers.
     
    OneCool, May 1, 2010
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  3. techifan1

    techifan1 Notebook Consultant

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    Hi OneCool,
    If you check out the bios options they appear to be confusing. The main screen shows e-SATA : None (you can not change this option) On the Advanced page it gives you the option of enabling/disabling the eSATA port (I obviously have it enabled). I have been able to use the e-SATA port a couple of times and the transfer speeds are very fast as you would expect but it is very hit and miss. I am beginning to wonder if I need specific drivers.
     
    techifan1, May 1, 2010
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  4. timolol

    timolol Notebook Enthusiast

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    I use the e-SATA port on my 1558 (should be mostly identical to the 1557) very regularly and haven't encountered any issues so far. Getting very good transfer speeds. Like others have said - make sure it's enabled in the BIOS (although mine was enabled by default)
     
    timolol, May 2, 2010
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  5. techifan1

    techifan1 Notebook Consultant

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    Appreciate the feedback.
    I think the 1558 uses a different motherboard chipset to the 1557.
    My problems could be down to me using an inexpensive eSATA caddy.
    Which manufacture of caddy are you using.
     
    techifan1, May 2, 2010
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  6. jstyles

    jstyles Notebook Enthusiast

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    Do you have the Intel SATA controller drivers installed.

    They should be by default, but if you did a fresh install of the OS and are only using the Microsoft "Standard AHCI 1.0 Serial ATA controller" driver it will not work with some esata drives.

    You can check here if you are using the MS standard controller driver
    Computer management > Device Manager > IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers

    Also make sure you have ACHI enabled in the BIOS otherwise esata will not work.
     
    jstyles, May 3, 2010
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  7. techifan1

    techifan1 Notebook Consultant

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    I have carried out a fresh install of Win 7 64bit and assumed I only needed to install the correct Intel chipset drivers but do I also need to install the following Intel AHCI SATA Drivers.

    http://downloadcenter.intel.com/SearchResult.aspx?lang=eng&keyword="AHCI+SATA+Driver"
     
    techifan1, May 3, 2010
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  8. OneCool

    OneCool I AM NUMBER 67

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    You can install those but in your case I dont think its necessary.


    The chipset driver should take care of that.Did you install the Ricoh driver from the 1557 downloads?
     
    OneCool, May 4, 2010
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  9. techifan1

    techifan1 Notebook Consultant

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    Yes I did install the Ricoh driver although I think they are for the card reader.
     
    techifan1, May 4, 2010
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  10. wecaz

    wecaz Notebook Consultant

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    That is encouraging!! I am still waiting for my first eSata drive. I haven't ordered it yet. :rolleyes:
     
    wecaz, May 5, 2010
    #10