I am looking at a number of P45 boards from ASUS for a new box. It appears none of them offers eSATA by default. Do you think I can buy a off-the-shelf card to turn one or two internal SATA into eSATA?
The Asus P5Q-E does have an eSATA port. Other than that, you might be looking for something like this (other models/brands available, just search for "eSATA bracket cable" on NewEgg).
Yes
Either by bracket or add in controller.
Always buy something other than Asus. If your Asus brakes, so does their service.
I like both the DFI and Abit boards that I have. The Abit I bought was after Asus RMA sent me a replacement board with caps that were bulged and leaking. Not that's great QA/TQL.
As long as the board supports AHCI(Advanced Host Controller Interface) then you can use hot swapping. I have even used boards that did not and it worked
As long as the board supports AHCI(Advanced Host Controller Interface) then you can use hot swapping. I have even used boards that did not and it worked