I was wondering if anyone had any experience with using a StarTech 2 Port SATA Controller Card (PEXSAT32) with Rockstor?
I know I have seen people recommend the IBM or LSI cards, but I’d rather not spend $150+ for 8 more ports, when I really only need four more ports, and could potentially throw in two of the StarTech cards for about $60.
In my experience these kind of cards work fine, if you dont expect performance to be at the absolute top.
But adding more than one to your machine could end up giving problems.
My oldish PC throws a BIOS error (out of memory for BIOS option rom or something to that effect) when I have more than one expansion card mounted.
And then I’m not able to use the ports on the second card.
Both cards I have work fine individually, but together it wont work.
Its not certain that your PC will have these problems, but its something you should know is a possibility.
Ive been using mitx mobos in my NAS for a while now. Of course they typically lack sata ports.
I bought this in 2017 for 2-4 mechanical drives, OS drive on the mobi msata port. Used it for like 6 years. My NAS is 90% for movies and shows, gets used most days.
Later, I changed the mechanical drives to sata ssds. Then changed my mobo to one with enough sata ports built in.
The card is currently in a NAS at my brothers house. Been absolutely rock solid for Rockstor the whole time.