Moving data via USB or eSATA is SLOW!!!

Question

I have a Dimension E510 running XP. The machine has an internal SATA drive. Ever since I added a eSATA connection to the motherboard, moving data (backup, file copy, etc...) is really slow. What used to take 3 hours via USB, now take 9 hours whether I am using USB or eSATA. Even, moving files using USB thumbdrives is really slow. One clue to the problem, is a few months ago I had a Windows issue, which required me to use the install disk and perform a Windows 'repair'. After this, the eSATA backups went from 9 hours to 30 minutes. Then, most likley after a Windows the slowness returned. Any ideas. I have downloaded the latest SATA drivers from Dell, but that did do the trick. Do I need to install a e-SATA card versus the motherboard extension??? Thanks.

fireberd · Answer

Reinstall the Intel chipset drivers and see if that helps.  The chipset drivers define what is on the motherboard.    When doing a clean install the chipset drivers need to be installed right after Windows and before any device drivers.  Although you did a 'Repair', there are functions or even some software that will need to be reinstalled - it's almost like reinstalling Windows.    The type of external drive shouldn't be an issue.  However, the USB ports may now be working at 1.1  instead of the 2.0 speed (2.0 is about 12 times faster than 1.1).    After you reinstall the chipset drivers, restart Windows and then go to the Device Manager and display the USB.  You should see at least one entry in the USB  that says 'Enhanced Controller', which means your USB ports are at 2.0.  If you do not see 'enhanced controller', uninstall all the listed USB then restart Windows and the USB will be detected and reinstalled.  This should take care of the USB port speeds.

Nolzman · Answer

Thanks firebred, I downloaded what I thought were the relevent firmeware updates from the Dell website, which included a chipset update. I installed the Chipset update and the backup went from a slow 9 hours, to a ridiculous 23 hours. :( Per your instructions, I also verified that t least one entry in the USB that says 'Enhanced Controller'. I then installed a rather cryptic USB firmware update, and low and behold the backup went from 23 hours to 2. I then reformatted the new external HD to NTSF and it is currently backing up around 200 GB in 1 hour and 45 minutes over USB connection. I cannot wait to see what the eSATA connection will do. I need to get a cable. Thanks for your help.

Nolzman · Answer

Well... I hooked the HD up via the eSATA connection and it went from 2 hours to 11 hours to complete the back up. I then tried the USB driver update again, and could not even get the system to fully recognize the drive via USB, I thought I messed it up. I was finally able to get it back via eSATA, but it is really slow. I plan on installing the Chipset update again, but I don't think this is issue. I know it must be driver/software related since I have had this happen on two separate eSATA drive. I have the eSATA drive connected via a eSATA extension from the motherboard. Would a separate PCI-e SATA card help matters? Would it allow the drive to hot swappable, which I cannot do now. Thanks. Message Edited by Nolzman on 12-10-2007 01:46 PM Message Edited by Nolzman on 12-10-2007 01:47 PM

Message Edited by Nolzman on 12-10-2007 01:48 PM

Windows General

Moving data via USB or eSATA is SLOW!!!

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