Motherboard that can handle 2*PCI-e HDD controllers.

RimBlock · 3 Jun 2011 at 04:29

Hi,

I am looking for a motherboard recommendation.

I have 20 HDD drive bays in my server case (SATA/SAS) and have 2 LSI 8*SATA controllers but am finding difficulty in locating a motherboard that will take both cards and has either a 3rd PCI-e slot for a video card or onboard video.

Cost wise, cheaper the better. AMD/Intel, either is fine. Older of latest generation is also fine as long as it would not be too hard to get hold of.

I have an intel board and a C2D in it but can only use 1 LSI card as the other slot is for the video card. I also tried a PCI video card but hit compatibility issues with the video chipset.

Recommendations please.

Thanks
RB

RimBlock · 3 Jun 2011 at 07:35

Nice. Thanks.

Have just found a JetWay JHZ03-GT-V2-LF AM3 AMD 880G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard as well on the unraid forums I have just stumbled upon.

Think I would prefer the MSI and can source locally (not in the UK).

What would be best to put in it, I would consider a dual core a minimum ?.

Cheers
RB

RimBlock · 3 Jun 2011 at 08:10

Thanks guys,

Yep the machine is a Linux NAS with lots of storage mainly used for serving files to media players (not streaming via Twonky or the like).

The current prices here inc MSI board are (in S$, half for rough UK price);

i3 340: S$315
i3 350: S$333
i5 760: S$444
i7 870: S$559

The two i3s look the most appealing, any reason not to go for one of them and any significant difference between the two or just a slight speed difference ?

RB

RimBlock · 3 Jun 2011 at 08:20

Nope, you are right. Type on Friday PM 2 hours before home time

.

Should be 540 and 550 i3s.

Thanks VM.

Should be manageable cost wise which is great.

RB