HighPoint RocketU 1144E Host Controller — USB 3.0 and eSATA PCIe HBA

The HighPoint RocketU 1144E Host Controller is a versatile PCIe add-in card that brings together high-speed USB 3.0 (5Gb/s) and 6Gb/s eSATA connectivity on a single HBA. Designed for enthusiasts, professionals, and IT environments that demand fast, reliable external storage, the RocketU 1144E delivers outstanding throughput for external drives, SSD enclosures, and multi-disk arrays. Its dedicated per-port performance architecture ensures that each connected storage device can achieve its maximum potential, so you don’t have to choose between USB speed and eSATA bandwidth. Whether you’re expanding a workstation, building a high-performance storage server, or archiving large media libraries, this controller is engineered to keep pace with demanding data workflows while remaining simple to install and maintain.

• Dual-channel performance: Combines USB 3.0 (up to 5Gbps) and eSATA (up to 6Gbps) on a single, compact HBA, enabling fast transfers across multiple storage devices without compromising throughput on either interface.
• Per-port bandwidth architecture: Independent bandwidth allocation for each connected device ensures that heavy I/O on one port won’t throttle the others, ideal for multi-drive enclosures and simultaneous backups or video editing workflows.
• Broad compatibility and easy integration: Works with a wide range of external storage enclosures and drives, and is designed for straightforward installation in typical desktop workstations and server-like environments.
• Flexible storage expansion: Perfect for expanding external storage capacity, multimedia libraries, backup solutions, and accelerated data transfer tasks, with support for diverse drive types including HDDs and SSDs.
• Reliability and system efficiency: Robust controller architecture minimizes CPU overhead during large transfers, enabling smoother multitasking and better overall system performance during heavy I/O periods.

Technical Details of RocketU 1144E

• Connectivity: USB 3.0 interface delivering up to 5Gbps and eSATA interface delivering up to 6Gbps on a single host bus adapter
• Per-port performance architecture for independent bandwidth allocation across connected devices
• Form factor: PCIe add-in card designed to fit standard desktop/workstation systems
• Compatibility: Broad OS support with drivers available from the manufacturer for common Windows and Linux environments
• Storage support: External USB 3.0 drives and eSATA-based storage enclosures/drives, suitable for high-speed external storage expansion

How to Install RocketU 1144E

Installing the RocketU 1144E is a straightforward process that unlocks fast, flexible external storage for your system. Follow these steps to get up and running quickly:

Step 1: Power down your computer, unplug the power cord, and remove the side panel to access the motherboard and PCIe slots.

Step 2: Locate an available PCIe slot on the motherboard. Remove any/installing covers if necessary, then insert the RocketU 1144E firmly into the slot until it seats fully against the motherboard and the slot lock is engaged.

Step 3: Reconnect the system power and boot into your operating system. If the card is detected, the OS may prompt for driver installation. Install the latest RocketU drivers from the official HighPoint website or the provided installation media.

Step 4: Connect your storage devices. Use USB 3.0 cables to attach USB drives or USB-based external enclosures to the USB ports on the card, and connect eSATA cables to eSATA-enabled drives or enclosures. Ensure cables are securely seated to prevent intermittent connectivity.

Step 5: Initialize and format drives as needed using your operating system’s disk management tools. For best results, follow enclosure or drive manufacturer recommendations for initialization, alignment, and partitioning, especially for SSDs.

Step 6: Verify device recognition in the operating system’s device manager or storage utility, and run a quick performance check with your typical workloads to confirm sustained throughput on both USB 3.0 and eSATA connections.

Step 7: If you plan to use the RocketU 1144E for specific storage configurations (such as RAID-like setups or multi-drive pools), consult your enclosure’s documentation and any driver utilities provided by HighPoint to manage and monitor connected devices.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What does the RocketU 1144E combine, and why would I want it? A: The RocketU 1144E combines USB 3.0 and eSATA connectivity on a single HBA, enabling fast external storage expansion with independent bandwidth per port. It’s ideal for power users who need to run high-speed USB 3.0 drives and fast eSATA storage simultaneously without sacrificing performance on either interface.
• Q: Which operating systems are supported? A: The card is designed for broad compatibility and ships with drivers for common Windows and Linux distributions. Always check the latest driver package on the manufacturer’s site for the most up-to-date OS support and installation instructions.
• Q: Can I use USB 3.0 and eSATA devices at the same time? A: Yes. The RocketU 1144E is designed to drive both interfaces concurrently, providing high-speed USB 3.0 performance alongside eSATA bandwidth for other drives or enclosures.
• Q: Do I need external power for this card? A: Most USB 3.0 and eSATA configurations on PCIe host controllers do not require separate power sources beyond what the system provides through USB ports or enclosures. If your enclosure requires its own power, connect it according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Always refer to the user manual for any model-specific power recommendations.
• Q: How many devices can I connect and how do I manage them? A: The exact number of supported devices depends on the connected USB hubs and eSATA enclosures. The RocketU 1144E provides multiple USB ports and eSATA connections through a single card. Use your OS Disk Management tools and the enclosure manufacturer’s software to organize and monitor connected drives. For complex storage configurations, separate management software or RAID-capable enclosures may be used in conjunction with the card.
• Q: Where can I download drivers and firmware? A: Drivers, firmware updates, and support resources are available on the official HighPoint website. Always download the latest versions to ensure compatibility with your operating system, security updates, and performance improvements.
• Q: Is this card suitable for professional work like video editing or backups? A: Yes. The RocketU 1144E’s combination of USB 3.0 and eSATA with per-port bandwidth allocation makes it well-suited for demanding data transfer tasks, including large media transfers, backups, and working with external storage arrays. It’s a good choice for add-on storage expansion in workstations and lightweight server environments.