Extreme slow boot time since eSATA HDD addition

Hi all,

My system uses a SSD drive and Fast Boot option in Windows (Hibernate = YES).
Also, my BIOS is set to Fast Boot option.

1. Usually, from cold boot it will log in within 8 seconds on average.
2. For a PC restart, it takes about 15~20 seconds to login. Pretty manageable.

It's worth noting that cold boot uses the hiber.sys file when fast boot option is enabled in windows.
This file is not being used for PC restart.

Since I added a HDD eSATA enclosure that can host two HDDs, I've experienced slow boot times.
With 1 HDD it would take about 20 seconds to login from PC restart, but with the additional 2nd HDD it got to about 60+ seconds to login.

Things I've done:

1. I've disabled some none windows, none crucial startup services to no avail.
2. My motherboard is quite old - Asus P8Z77-V-Deluxe.
   It uses Asmedia 106x SATA Controller. The eSata drivers for it are from 21/08/2017 version 3.2.3.0.
   I've installed this driver after I experienced the slow boot time in the hope to achieve better results, but it didn't improve anything.
3. Removed BitDefender to no avail. Installed back.
4. In group policy, I've enabled Windows Boot Performance Diagnostics but I've yet to gather meaningful data.
5. Lastly, disconnected the eSATA HDD enclosure - Windows boots in 8 seconds. Clearly this has to do with the eSATA connection or HDD's.

My questions are:

1. Is there a dedicated diagnostic tool for windows boot time that can point what's holding up to boot process?
2. Do you think it's better to use USB 3.0 instead of the eSATA to improve on the time? or is it the enclosure controller that holds windows boot time?

That's the eSATA HDD enclosure I'm using:
Vantec NexStar MX Dual 3.5 SATA to USB 3.0 and eSATA W/JBOD/RAID 0/1 Enclosure 690000346712 | eBay

spunk said:

What happens when you disconnect the eSATA?If it works perfectly, then one of the drives on the eSATA connection are failing.

See No.5.

If it was failing then I wouldn’t be able to access either of the two HDDs.

Make system image using Macrium. Then try to change your eSATA Controller driver.

muchomurka said:

Make system image using Macrium. Then try to change your eSATA Controller driver.

Seriously?
Could you reply with a more sponsored comment?
Or are you intending to help?

Berton said:

Haven't gotten into the eSATA thing yet but generally slow booting by the BIOS indicates it is looking for boot files on drives other than C: or the one Windows is installed on, usually can be proven by disconnecting the latest drive connected.

I guess there's nothing that can be done with this, isn't it?
Thanks.

@gil
Your enclosure appears to connect to the computer either by USB or eSata. Looking at your mother board specs, I don't see any eSata ports. Have you added an eSata card to your system, or are you connecting by USB?

I've had systems with true eSata ports and couldn't see any difference between internal and external drive speeds.

I've also added eSata PCIe cards with varying results.

Are your external drives Sata 2 or Sata 3? If your actual connection to the computer is USB, are you connecting by USB2 or USB3?

Garyw said:

@gil
Your enclosure appears to connect to the computer either by USB or eSata. Looking at your mother board specs, I don't see any eSata ports. Have you added an eSata card to your system, or are you connecting by USB?
I've had systems with true eSata ports and couldn't see any difference between internal and external drive speeds.
I've also added eSata PCIe cards with varying results.
Are your external drives Sata 2 or Sata 3? If your actual connection to the computer is USB, are you connecting by USB2 or USB3?

Hi.
My motherboard does support 2x eSata ports.
P8Z77-V DELUXE | Motherboards | ASUS Global

look under storage.

The enclosure can be used with a USB or eSata. I currently use eSata.