I replied, from over place, but now I'm finding that the posts didn't take! I don't know what to make of that. Maybe the sign-in didn't work. In any case, I'm here for the day and back over there tomorrow (or maybe the next day).
I've been thinking of buying a USB3 to sata adapter, but I don't have one now. At this point, I have no idea which chip sets certain types / models use.
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On construction techniques, "old world" construction is better than what we have in the States. It certainly lasts longer. With above grade masonry (brick and block) the usable life of the outer shell is based on the life of the mortar which, if mixed properly, is at least 100 years.
Stick built houses, even with brick exteriors, are fine but the usable life really boils down to how long the fasteners last (nails and other hardware). Long lasting fasteners is a matter of maintenance which specifically boils down to preventing water/moisture infiltration.
In my case, before I did the siding, I installed continuous sheets of commercial Tyvek, sealing it at the corner seams and to the frames of the new windows. Tyvek is a one-way moisture barrier that allows moisture out, but is water proof going the other way. (It's odd to see it, but one can fill a glass with water and seal tyvek to the opening. One way, it drips water. The other way, it's water tight.) So, while siding repels water, if some water gets past the siding, the Tyvek wrap with run it off. Going the other way, if interior humidity is high, it passes through the barrier.
A secondary effect, which is actually the primary reason to install it, is preventing air infiltration which gets the home owner the true value of the insulation. Since it started to turn cold in recent days, we're finding that the house is draft free (expected) and the new wood stove will have no trouble at all, heating the house. (With outside temps in the 30's overnight, the interior is 80 degrees, and that's running the stove as low as I can.)