Suggestions for PCI Express x1 to SATA cards

Kneedragger

Golden Member
Feb 18, 2013
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Looking for suggestions/recommendations for a PCI Express x1 to SATA cards. I'm looking to add a card to a Mini-itx for a server build. I will be running Windows 8 and this server will be mostly for a media no transcoding.

Thanks
 

Kneedragger

Golden Member
Feb 18, 2013
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I'm thinking two. I dont think I'll need more thank a total of 4.

Most importantly I would like one with a good track record of reliability.
 

Insert_Nickname

Diamond Member
May 6, 2012
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Generally, I've had best luck with Silicon Image-based IDE/SATA PCIe/PCI cards. Marvell-based also tend to work fine, I've never personally had problems, but I know some who have.

If you don't need any sort of RAID-functionality, the cheapest is generally good enough. I'm assuming you're going to use some form of software RAID?

If you can find a board with a x4 connector, startech.com makes a 4 port PCIe x2 controller card. I don't know how reliable it is, and its pretty pricey too.

http://www.startech.com/Cards-Adapt...ss-SATA-6Gbps-RAID-Controller-Card~PEXSAT34RH
 

ViRGE

Elite Member, Moderator Emeritus
Oct 9, 1999
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I've been happy with my Highpoint Rocket 620 in my Windows Server build.

http://www.amazon.com/HighPoint-Rock.../dp/B002VEWBGO

Throughput won't be good enough to hit full SATA 6G speeds, but unless you're going to plug in SSDs you won't notice. And it's a RAIDless card, so it operates as a plain-jane AHCI device (no drivers/configuration necessary).