sata hdds/slots

[utajoker]

i have an asus p5w dh deluxe wifi board but it only has 3 sata slots, ive already got 3 sata hdds and want to add a 4th, is there any way to add another, is there such a thing as a splitter or hub or something?

there is a sata slot on the i/o panel so is my only choice to run a wire out to that?

thanks.

 

[Bob Wya Jnr]

Hi Op,

You can use port-multipliers to hang multiple SATA HDs (maximum typically 5 - SATA PM specification allows up to 8 I think) on a single SATA channel. However this requires that the Host Controller supports the PM functionality (which typically is not the case with an onboard Host Controller). The PM boards aren't cheap either...
Otherwise you are restricted to one HD per SATA channel.

You can buy extra SATA host controllers, e.g.:
Adaptec AAR-1220SA PCI-Express x1 2-Port SATA-II RAID Controller
to add into your spare MB PCIe/PCI slots. Subtle hint: that is not the cheapest (look elsewhere for one that doesn't have RAID support) - and get one with 4x ports if you want future expansion!!

I have an external PC case with space for 20 HDs in hotswap caddies!! I run this off 4x main SATA channels (PCI-X Host Controller card with 4 external eSATA ports) with a 5x port PM on each channel (in the external box). So I only need 4 signal wires to control (up to) 20x drives - sweet!!

Bob

 

[utajoker]

thanks very much