SATA/SAS PCIe Card Recommendation that doesn't need flashing/Works out the box

[DZMM]

I'm struggling to get my head around all the HBA card posts on the forum as it's all new to me. 

 

I only have my unRAID PC, so I have no way of flashing a card on another system.  Can I get a recommendation for a card that will work out of the box please without flashing on another PC.  I know there are cards that come pre-flashed, but I don't want to risk one in case I need to fix something in the future and can't.

 

I like the idea of getting a SAS HBA card for future compatibility and fewer cables, but I don't need one now so I'm happy to get a plain simple SATA card which would also save money.  I need a minimum of 4 ports.

 

e.g this one is cheap and chirpy Syba SI-PEX40057 and is a x2 interface which is more than enough speed for the drives I'll be adding

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Syba-SI-PEX40057-Marvell-HyperDuo-Brackets/dp/B00AZ9T264/ref=sr_1_6?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1537542583&sr=1-6&keywords=sata+++4+port

 

I've got a spare PCi 3.0 x16 slot running at x8 so I've got lots of options.

 

Thanks in advance for any help.

[JorgeB]

Avoid Marvell controllers with Unradi, unfortunately not many good (non Marvell) 4 port controllers out there, if 8 ports OK get an LSI 9207-8i, it's plug'n play.

[DZMM]

Thanks - I was going to ask if LSI 9207-8i would work as even new the price is reasonable at £119

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/LSI-SAS-9207-8i-8-Port-6Gbps/dp/B00AENN2LW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1537543344&sr=8-2&keywords=LSI+9207-8i

 

will see what I can find on ebay

Edited September 21, 2018 by DZMM