Trouble with eSATAp cable on T420

[vace117]

Hello,

I just purchased an eSATAp cable to use with my Lenovo Thinkpad T420 and I am having trouble pluging the cable into the eSATA USB hybrid port. I don't know if the cable I got is defective, if my port is broken, or if I am just using the wrong cable, so any suggestions would be appreciated.

Here is the cable I got:
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/120877607932

Here are a few pictures illustrating the situation:



eSATA pins on the port:


USB pins on the port, with the back of the port visible. No obvious obstructions that I can see...


eSATA pins on the cable:


USB ping on the cable:



As you can see from the pictures, all the pins on the connector seem to match the port, except for the 12V power pins P13 and P12. These pins are present on the cable, but not on the port. However, I understand that those pins are optional...

I have tried other eSATAp cables from different sources, all with the same result, so it is likely not a cable problem.

Has anyone had a similar experience? Am I using the right cable?

[richk]

I don't have a thinkpad with eSATA right now. My T520 has integrated graphics, (eSATA only on discrete) but I have a T510 motherboard here with discrete graphics that has the identical port. My eSATA cable does plug in AND there is a gap like the one in your picture. I didn't measure the gap, but it looks between 3 and 4mm. What doesn't work? Do you know that your eSATA drive requires a separate power connection? Powered eSATA ports are not generally available, and the port is certainly not powered on yout T420. When I use a 2.5" drive connected to eSATA, I use another cable that connects the power leads (+5V & ground) from a USB port. (USB on one end and SATA power on the other) I made my cable, but I am sure you can find one on eBAY. When I use a 3.5" drive I use a power supply from an old desktop.

[vace117]

Well, I feel silly .

My eSATA cable does plug in AND there is a gap like the one in your picture.

It appears that the cable is designed to work w/o being plugged in all the way. Highly unusual - I thought that this indicated some sort of mismatch, but it actually works just fine. I even get 5V power from the USB pins in the same cable, so 2.5" drives work just fine w/o an extra cable.

Thanks!