Controlling Two SATA Harddrives via SPDT Switch

http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...v+HDD%20switch

Watch that video for a general idea of what I am trying to do only I am using SATA drives rather than IDE.

Does the cable select on SATA drives actually do anything, as the drives are not on the same cable?

If both drives are on cable select, will the computer boot to the SATA 1 hard drive port?

Thanks for the help guys.

Most of the modern bios you find on motherboards will support changing the boot order during post. For example, my A8N SLi, you press F8 and select the drive.

Thanks for the reply.

I know there are some software based options, I wanted a switch partly for the 'wow' factor and partly to add another project to my completely full plate.

I don't think it is possible to do it his way with SATA. You could always do a mod which will kill power to one drive, but you have to be careful about the bios automatically reassigning boot order.

You could use a 3-pole, double-throw(hooked to the 12 and 5v). That way, only one drive is ever powered up.

very cool idea, I like it

I agree - a power switch is probably the best way to do this. Use one rated for at least 1A on both sets of contacts. Also, some sort of cover so you don't hit the switch while the machine is on would be a good idea.

Switching 1.5gbps through a quad-throw switch wouldn't be a good idea. I don't recommend it.