4 port sata to usb HPM. 240MB/s or 60MB a port claimed performance almost same a an x1 PCIe slot. I have 5 spare unused USB 2.0 ports on the MB.

 

http://www.addonics.com/products/host_controller/ad4sr5hpmus.asp

 

 

lime-tech would need to add support for USB-array devices.

There was a post about this a while back and I'm not sure if it has been done.

if you run it in one of the HW Raid modes, I would bet the eSATA port would be detected.

However the smart or temp readings would not.

 

Also keep in mind it's not that easy to spin down/up USB drives nor grab SMART info from them.

 

eSATA on a Port Multipler in JBOD does work (at least for the PMP I've tested).

This one does not seem to support JBOD mode. It requires the drives be configured in at least one RAID mode.

And then there is this small note at the bottom of the linked to advertisement that might pose another wrinkle:

Note: 1, drives connected to this PM cannot be configured as independent drive. All connected drives must be configured as 1 RAID volume.

 

If they did show up as USB drives, then WeeboTech's comment still applies.

Have I found a use for those spare motherboard USB headers?

 

No, it appears not.