More SATA ports on an older mobo?

Borbio · Apr 15th 2022

OMV noob here... maybe y'all could suggest some guidance on getting more SATA ports.

So, I have a fresh OMV NAS running on a rather old mobo (Asus P5KPL-AM EPU). The mobo has four SATA ports, but I'd like to have up to eight HDDs in my NAS.

I see there are all kinds of PCI cards that can provide additional SATA ports — the mobo has two free PCIe slots, and a free PCIe x1 slot (i have a video card in the PCIe x16 slot).

But, I'm wondering if this will work...

I.e., maybe(?) my mobo is too old, or maybe the BIOS will be an issue, or maybe I need some special configuration for OMV to find the extra ports, etc.

Or, maybe I need to get a certain kind of PCI SATA expansion card...?

Any suggestions about this would be greatly appreciated!

KM0201 · Apr 15th 2022

Quote from Borbio

OMV noob here... maybe y'all could suggest some guidance on getting more SATA ports.

So, I have a fresh OMV NAS running on a rather old mobo (Asus P5KPL-AM EPU). The mobo has four SATA ports, but I'd like to have up to eight HDDs in my NAS.

I see there are all kinds of PCI cards that can provide additional SATA ports — the mobo has two free PCIe slots, and a free PCIe x1 slot (i have a video card in the PCIe x16 slot).

But, I'm wondering if this will work...

I.e., maybe(?) my mobo is too old, or maybe the BIOS will be an issue, or maybe I need some special configuration for OMV to find the extra ports, etc.

Or, maybe I need to get a certain kind of PCI SATA expansion card...?

Any suggestions about this would be greatly appreciated!

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Well, assuming the PCIe slots work, and assuming you get a Linux compatible card (LSI can be pricey, but generally work)... odds are in your favor it will work...

but there's no way to know 100% w/o trying

Krisbee · Apr 15th 2022

Borbio As a LSI card would have to replace your graphics card , it's worth checking your system can boot without monitor and keyboard attached.

If you are considering investing in multiple (new?) hdd drives, then maybe it's time to change the m/board. Personally, I wouldn't want to use anything older than sandybrdge Intel kit for power efficiency. Depending where you're located s/hand server grade m/board, CPUs and memory can be had at relatively low cost. For inspiration, see https://www.serverbuilds.net/

Borbio · Apr 15th 2022

KM0201, Krisbee

Thanks for your ideas on this. The LSI adapter cards do look very nice, though at the prices I'm seeing, yeah, it would be more expensive and maybe worth just buying another mobo.

Mainly, I'm wondering if it's possible to build on what I've got and keep the costs down.

Right now, I've got this Asus mobo with a 2.60 Ghz Celeron, and 4 GB of memory. It's old, but maybe(?) it could do the job.

FWIW, the mobo I've got can definitely boot without monitor and keyboard. However, for setup I need to be able to connect a monitor to a DVI/HDMI port for running gparted, etc.

Krisbee · Apr 15th 2022

Again, you don't have to buy an an 8 port LSI card new. A s/hand LSI 9211-8i and cables should do the job. But, off-hand, I don't see how you can install OMV with a LSI card in place. Also, that m/board has a lot of old non-solid capacitors, do you really want to trust your data to kit of this age?

KM0201 · Apr 15th 2022

Quote from Krisbee

Again, you don't have to buy an an 8 port LSI card new. A s/hand LSI 9211-8i and cables should do the job. But, off-hand, I don't see how you can install OMV with a LSI card in place. Also, that m/board has a lot of old non-solid capacitors, do you really want to trust your data to kit of this age?

Agree... You can come across them on ebay quite reasonably

As for the install.. typically I think most do the install, no card or drives other than the os drive. Then add the card after install. Most LSI cards. "Just work" so it works out.

Again though, I don't have one . This is just based on years I'd reading about them here.

KM0201 · Apr 15th 2022

I think gderf has an LSI card in his server

Zoki · Apr 15th 2022

I ordered my LSI card via eBay from China. It was 45 Euro including two sas-sata cables and preflashed to it mode and latest firmware

Seller claimed it to be new, but who knows ...

Most important: it just works.

I would stick with the old mobo until it breaks,you will use the LSI card in your next build too.

Agricola · Apr 15th 2022

What about your case? Do you have room to accommodate 8 more drives?

Zoki · Apr 15th 2022

I bought an external chieftec 4 bay say hot pug case (used and cheap).

Wires go through one of the slots in the back of the Gen 8 microserver.

In total 9 drives is more than enough.

Borbio · Apr 15th 2022

Krisbee, that's a good point about the age of the mobo. If I got a second-hand LSI 9211-8i, that would allow more flexibility on finding a newer mobo. Still, I'd probably have to buy other parts (e.g. memory) and mobo options are limited if I want to reuse the CPU (need a LGA 775 socket).

Agricola, the case will be a Fractal Design R5, which has space for eight 3.5" HDDs.

johnvick · Apr 16th 2022

You can get inexpensive PCI SATA cards on Aliexpress, I have 2 and 4 port cards, they work OK.

KM0201 · Apr 16th 2022

Quote from Borbio

Krisbee, that's a good point about the age of the mobo. If I got a second-hand LSI 9211-8i, that would allow more flexibility on finding a newer mobo. Still, I'd probably have to buy other parts (e.g. memory) and mobo options are limited if I want to reuse the CPU (need a LGA 775 socket).

Agricola, the case will be a Fractal Design R5, which has space for eight 3.5" HDDs.

I truly think that might be one of the most under rated server chassis their is. Fractal quality, plenty of cooling, excellent wire management, lots of drive bays. As long as you're not trying to put it in some sort of media center as it's tall.. it's a fantastic case.

Borbio · Apr 16th 2022

Quote from johnvick

You can get inexpensive PCI SATA cards on Aliexpress, I have 2 and 4 port cards, they work OK.

Which make/model of card, may I ask?

It would be nice to know I'm ordering one that's known to work with OMV.

Agricola · Apr 16th 2022

I see LSI SAS 9211-8i mentioned a lot on the forum. Cables and card on EBay are around $75 US.

johnvick · Apr 17th 2022

Th QR on the box takes me to this site - this is the 4 port box but I think the page refers to the the two port version.

http://www.ssu-tech.com/index.php?ac=article&at=read&did=160

The other is in the OMV device just now and is two port it was cheaper then the above but I think a different brand. Both work out of the box with OMV 5. Plenty similar on Aliexpress.

Borbio · Apr 17th 2022

johnvick

Hey, thanks for this. I poked around on Aliexpress and found (I think) the 4-port version, SU-SA3004:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003949695570.html

There's also a 6-port version (SU-SA3126), though it doesn't have the ACHI/IDE/No-Boot switch (which might not matter for OMV anyway?).

johnvick · Apr 17th 2022

That switch isn't on my 4 port card and it works fine, I don't use it as a boot device and can't imagine you will either. So if cost isn't a big factor the six port may be the best bet.

Borbio · Apr 17th 2022

Sounds good — thanks again!

gderf · Apr 17th 2022

I suggest not circling the drain to squeeze the last dollar out of things like this. Get yourself a proper LSI or rebranded LSI card and be done with it. It will always be supported going forward, you will never have to chase drivers for it, and the performance will be unbeatable.

More SATA ports on an older mobo?

Agricola Apr 15th 2022

Borbio Apr 17th 2022

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