With my current system and mobo I have a max of 6 SATA which right now two are being take up by optical drives and two by hd's but I want to add more hd's the only problem is I only have 2 hookups left and I need more then two hd's.

I have been looking around for a new mobo but it seems they all max out at 6 so is there any alternative out there? I don't want ex-hd's anymore cause I have just been having to many problems with them.

I appreciate any help/advice.

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You could buy a SATA controller card to go into one of your expansion slots. Regular ones should be fairly cheap but if you want any type of redundancy you will need to go with a RAID card.

Quote: Originally Posted by Rjupiter With my current system and mobo I have a max of 6 SATA which right now two are being take up by optical drives and two by hd's but I want to add more hd's the only problem is I only have 2 hookups left and I need more then two hd's. I have been looking around for a new mobo but it seems they all max out at 6 so is there any alternative out there? I don't want ex-hd's anymore cause I have just been having to many problems with them. I appreciate any help/advice.

First question is, do you just need more space or are you building some sort of major RAID array?

Secondly, a quick google search for "SATA expansion" reveals the following cards:
Serial ATA (SATA) PCI Expansion Card

$19.76 HELKI Silicon 3132 PCI-E SATA Expansion Card

The first is located in Australia, the second here in America. I'm sure there are plenty of other options ...

-godling

wow, thanks I feel kind of stupid and I completely forgot about being able to buy a controller card. Probably going to this route.

While I sort of have you attention, does anyone have any recommendation on any removable trays/racks ? I have been looking and not sure if I should buy them individual or in a bay.

Well, everyone beat me to the "buy an expansion card" answer. As for the removable racks, it all depends upon what you are trying to do. I have an IcyDock in one of my computers and it works fine.

i use these for my raid array.



Vantec EZ Swap SATA Aluminum Mobile Rack with Fan and LCD Display MRK-200ST-BK at TigerDirect.com

right now i have 3 of them in my CM Stacker case, and face a decision to either remove my 250gig HD that is just random storage on or move my blackice Ex. radiator to another location.

im currently running 3x80 gig in a raid 1, and a 250gig stand alone. i have a couple extra 80 gigs that i plan on buying a few more of these rack systems for to throw in.

the racks seem to hold up pretty well for being made of plastic and aluminum. i havent had any problems and plan on purchasing more, just wish i could get a better deal.

also, if you plan on buying them, make sure you read it carefully as they sell these with just the racks alone and without the cage for them. you will what the whole kit which is what i linked above. should cost about $40 to $45