Stefan Monnier wrote:
If SATA hotplug *does* work "on the desktop", does that also mean that I could plug a new hard drive in while the system is running?Also, don't forget that while the SATA driver (and chipset, presumably) support hotplug, the normal SATA connectors are not meant to be used for hotplugging. For hotplug to work reliably, you should be using an eSata connector (where the pins are so layed out as to ensure that when you (un)plug they're (dis)connected in the right order).
This is correct, internal SATA must be unplugged hot very carefully, do be careful to pull it straight out; otherwise, shorting across the pins can occur. Plugging IN is not really recommended.
It is the reverse with external. You can plug IN safely, but UNplugging may toastify the drive, or at least, the file system. Or so I've been told.
Mark Allums