Need help with PCIE USB 3 and SATA 3 Adapter

[mtl77733]

Are you already using all of the PCI-e 16x slots? You can install 1x pci-e devices in those slots.

I'm not using the PCI-e 16x yet. I didn't know that I could use a 1x card in a 16x slot. Will a 1x card run faster in a 16x slot than in a 1x slot?

 

[mtl77733]

If you want USB3+SATA3 in one card with actually controllers and a bridge this exists and only costs $2 more than the passthrough one you linked:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MVTB8TK/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I am seriously considering to buy this card. I'm going to connect a long SATA cable that runs from the card to the back and outside of my computer so I can connect my HDD externally. What is the limit on the length of a SATA cable? I'm thinking I would need a 30" long cable at least.

 

[PingSpike]

I'm not using the PCI-e 16x yet. I didn't know that I could use a 1x card in a 16x slot. Will a 1x card run faster in a 16x slot than in a 1x slot?

No, it will run at 1x speed. But if the 1x slots were running pci-e 1.0 standard and the pci-e 16x slot was 2.0 standard then the 2.0 standard is of course faster. The linked card is 2.0. You'd have to confirm your motherboard has pci-e 1x slots that use 2.0 standard but I think they do, so no difference in speed.

I am seriously considering to buy this card. I'm going to connect a long SATA cable that runs from the card to the back and outside of my computer so I can connect my HDD externally. What is the limit on the length of a SATA cable? I'm thinking I would need a 30" long cable at least.

I haven't done much with eSata but the wikipedia entry suggests the max cable length supported is 2 meters so you should be good. Remember you'll need a sata to esata port converter, probably one with a expansion slot back plate would work best for your use but it depends on if you have any spare slots.

 

[mtl77733]

No, it will run at 1x speed. But if the 1x slots were running pci-e 1.0 standard and the pci-e 16x slot was 2.0 standard then the 2.0 standard is of course faster. The linked card is 2.0. You'd have to confirm your motherboard has pci-e 1x slots that use 2.0 standard but I think they do, so no difference in speed.



I haven't done much with eSata but the wikipedia entry suggests the max cable length supported is 2 meters so you should be good. Remember you'll need a sata to esata port converter, probably one with a expansion slot back plate would work best for your use but it depends on if you have any spare slots.

Thank you so much, Ping!

Actually, it's not an eSATA drive that I'm trying to connect externally. It's just an ordinary internal HDD - a 3TB HGST SATA 3 drive that has an ordinary SATA port and SATA power connector. I've run out of space to put this drive inside the computer. So I think all I need is a long, plain SATA to SATA cable to connect the HDD to the card. And for the power, I have an external power supply with SATA power connector that I can connect to the HDD. Do you think this will work and is all I need?

I noticed that the card you linked comes in two flavors: one with Renesas uPD720202 chipset and the other with ETron EJ168A chipset. Which chipset is faster/better for USB 3.0? Which chipset is more reliable?

 

[PingSpike]

Thank you so much, Ping!

Actually, it's not an eSATA drive that I'm trying to connect externally. It's just an ordinary internal HDD - a 3TB HGST SATA 3 drive that has an ordinary SATA port and SATA power connector. I've run out of space to put this drive inside the computer. So I think all I need is a long, plain SATA to SATA cable to connect the HDD to the card. And for the power, I have an external power supply with SATA power connector that I can connect to the HDD. Do you think this will work and is all I need?

Probably, as long but keep in mind internal SATA cables have a shorter spec, I think its one meter.

I noticed that the card you linked comes in two flavors: one with Renesas uPD720202 chipset and the other with ETron EJ168A chipset. Which chipset is faster/better for USB 3.0? Which chipset is more reliable?

I have no experience with that one personally, but in theory it should have plenty of bandwidth for all of the USB and SATA ports running at the same time because its pci-e 4x. But that also means its PCI-e 4x so it won't fit in your 1x slot.

 

[mtl77733]

I have no experience with that one personally, but in theory it should have plenty of bandwidth for all of the USB and SATA ports running at the same time because its pci-e 4x. But that also means its PCI-e 4x so it won't fit in your 1x slot.

I just bought the card with the Renesas uPD720202 chipset. I have a PCI-E 2.0 4X in a 16X slot where I can put the card in. I hope it works great.

Thank you so much for this recommendation!