Need to Add 2 More SATA ports to existing server

[toolmanz]

Problem:

Need to add 2 more SATA ports to motherboard.

Sorry for all the detail but wanted to make sure everyone has all the facts.

 

Motherboard:

ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. A88X-PLUS/USB 3.1, Version Rev X.0x
American Megatrends Inc., Version 0211
BIOS dated: Mon 07 Mar 2016 12:00:00 AM EST

 

Available slots: (All available no cards installed)

1 x  PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16 slot (at x16 mode)

1 x  PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot (max at x4 mode)

2 x PCI Express 2.0x1 slots

3 x PCI slots

 

CPU:

 AMD-A10-7870K, 12 compute cores 4C+8G @ 4200Mhz

 

Drives:

(1) Parity Drive: 8GB Iron Wolf

(2)   Array: 6 disks – (5) 3TB and (1) 5Tb

(3)   Cache: (2) SSD’s 240 Gb ea.

 OS:     Unraid latest

 

Docker Containers:  

            (1) binhex – Krusader

            (2) binhex-nzbget

            (3) binhex-radarr

            (4) bibhex-sonarr

            (5) pihole

            (6) PlexMediaServer

 

VM:

(1)   Windows 10

 

Requirements:

I want to add an 8TB drive to the array. I want to add 2 SATA ports to the rig.

 

What type of PciE SATA port card should I add to the machine?

 

Not too worried on speed – just need something simple and easy to install.

 

What I have gleaned from reading this and other posts is that:

1)      Most folks here are recommending an LSI based card???

2)      Some Marvell firmware does perform as expected

3)      Not sure if I need a RAID capable SATA expansion card???

4)      There are lots of SATA expansion cards on places like Amazon(.ca)

5)      There are lots of choices – just not sure which one would work best with UnRaid.

 

Examples of what I have looked at:

IO Crest 4 Port SATA III Controller Card: http://amzn.to/2b1MfdP

Vantec 4-Channel 6-Port SATA PCIe Raid Controller Card: http://amzn.to/2aZfhj5

StarTech.com 4 Port PCIe RAID Controller Card: http://amzn.to/2b1LyBh

 

All of these have a 2 port option so ignore the # of ports – I only want 2.

 

Thanks in advance for any guidance you can provide.....or if there is a thread I have missed that speaks to this.....

 

Cheers

[Vr2Io]

FAQ : Above 4 port were Marvell base, pls avoid.

Pls buy Asmedia 1061 ( 1062 may also try too ),  those PCIe 2port 1x card  bandwidth/speed enough for 2 disk. Just plug in near CPU 16x slot would be fine.

 

http://www.amzn.com/B005B0A6ZS

Edited May 22, 2019 by Benson

[toolmanz]

Ok thanks for this. 😀

 

Will do.