[SOLVED] Want to add an external SATA drive to computer and not use usb

[don99]

I have an HP z440 running Windows 7 Pro. There is no more drive space available in the case. I'd like to use this computer as a NAS machine. Yes, I could add usb drives to the computer but usb is so slow. What do I need to do to add an external SATA drive? What enclosure do I need? I assume I have to add another SATA controller? Which one would you suggest? Thank you for your help.

 

[USAFRet]

A PCIe card with an eSATA external facing connection.
Like this:
https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-PEXESAT32-Express-eSATA-Controller/dp/B003GSGMPU

Then an external enclosure with an eSATA connection.
Like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Mediasonic-ProBox-HF2-SU3S2-SATA-Enclosure/dp/B003X26VV4
(I have one)

 

[dg27]

A PCIe card with an eSATA external facing connection.
Like this:
https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-PEXESAT32-Express-eSATA-Controller/dp/B003GSGMPU

I have two of these StarTech cards, which are the ones that have two internal and two external connections (you can only use two and it can be one internal/one external if you wish).

They work great and were an easy way of adding storage.

 

[dg27]

Then an external enclosure with an eSATA connection.
Like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Mediasonic-ProBox-HF2-SU3S2-SATA-Enclosure/dp/B003X26VV4
(I have one)

I should have mentioned that if you only want to put single drive in an enclosure, this one is a good choice:

Rosewill Armer RX304-APU3-35B

I have two of these and they work better than earlier Rosewill models that were USB only or Thermaltakes with eSATA. I've used many of these across two desktops over the years and like this one the best.