StarTech.com 2x M.2 NGFF SSD RAID Controller Card plus 2x SATA III Ports - PCIe

The StarTech.com 2x M.2 NGFF SSD RAID Controller Card is a versatile PCIe solution designed to unlock the speed and compact form factor of M.2 drives while expanding your desktop storage with reliable, hardware-assisted RAID. This two-slot M.2 RAID card lets you install two M.2 NGFF drives in a single PCIe slot, delivering enhanced performance for demanding workloads like video editing, 3D rendering, gaming workstations, and high-speed data processing. With two additional SATA III ports, you gain more storage flexibility without sacrificing drive bays, enabling a powerful storage configuration that blends speed, capacity, and resilience in a single, space-saving expansion card.

• Dual M.2 NGFF drives supported: Install two M.2 drives in a compact PCIe card and leverage the speed of NVMe or SATA M.2 options. This setup is ideal for creating fast OS drives, scratch/cache volumes, or high-performance workloads, while keeping the motherboard PCIe lanes free for other peripherals. The card’s dedicated M.2 slots are designed to accommodate standard M.2 form factors, allowing you to choose from a range of capacities and performance levels to suit your needs.
• Two SATA III ports provide additional storage expansion and flexibility. The built-in SATA III (6Gbps) connectors enable you to attach extra hard drives or SSDs for data storage, backups, or caching, without needing to retrofit your system with separate adapters. This combination of M.2 and SATA capabilities helps you optimize storage topology for speed, capacity, and reliability in one compact PCIe solution.
• Hardware RAID support delivers performance and data protection without burdening the host CPU. The card operates with dedicated hardware RAID logic, enabling you to configure RAID 0 for speed or RAID 1 for redundancy, as well as JBOD for flexible, independent drive access. Hardware RAID ensures consistent throughput and minimizes CPU overhead, which is especially valuable in multi-drive configurations or data-intensive workflows.
• PCIe expansion for desktops designed for standard desktop motherboards. This card fits into a PCIe x4 (or larger) slot and provides a straightforward upgrade path to multi-drive high-speed storage. It’s suitable for mainstream workstations, gaming rigs, and small-form-factor builds that demand enhanced storage performance without reconfiguring the entire system.
• Easy integration and setup with a simple install process and RAID configuration utility. The card is engineered for compatibility with common BIOS/UEFI environments and works with standard operating systems. By combining M.2 performance with SATA expansion, you can tailor your storage topology for faster boot, faster application loads, and snappier data access, all in a single, space-efficient PCIe card.

Technical Details of StarTech.com 2x M.2 NGFF SSD RAID Controller Card plus 2x SATA III Ports

• PCIe interface for high-speed data transfer and broad compatibility with modern motherboards
• Supports two M.2 NGFF drives via dedicated slots (NVMe or SATA M.2 options, depending on drive type and motherboard compatibility)
• Two built-in SATA III (6Gbps) ports for additional storage or caching
• Hardware RAID engine to enable RAID 0 and RAID 1 configurations for performance or redundancy
• Standard PCIe card form factor with bracket suitable for desktop PCs; includes mounting provisions for secure installation
• Plug-and-play installation with RAID configuration options and compatibility with common BIOS/UEFI environments

How to install StarTech.com 2x M.2 NGFF SSD RAID Controller Card plus 2x SATA III Ports

• Power down your computer, unplug the power cord, and ground yourself to prevent electrostatic discharge before handling components.
• Open the computer case and locate an available PCIe slot that is compatible with the card’s form factor. A PCIe x4 or larger slot is typically recommended to maximize data throughput.
• Remove the expansion slot cover if necessary and insert the StarTech RAID card firmly into the PCIe slot. Secure the card with a mounting screw at the slot’s rear bracket to ensure stable operation.
• Install up to two M.2 NGFF drives into the dedicated M.2 slots on the card. Depending on your drives, you may need to secure them with the appropriate mounting hardware or standoffs, ensuring they are seated evenly and firmly.
• Connect the two SATA III drives to the onboard SATA ports, taking care to align data and power connectors correctly. If your system uses additional power or data cables, connect them as required by your storage configuration.
• Power up the system and enter the BIOS/UEFI. Configure the hardware RAID array as needed (RAID 0 for speed, RAID 1 for redundancy, or JBOD for straightforward drive access). Save your settings and boot into your operating system. In your OS, install any necessary drivers or RAID management utilities provided by StarTech to monitor and manage the drives.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: Does this controller support NVMe M.2 drives? A: Yes, it supports M.2 drives in the dedicated slots, including NVMe-based configurations, providing high-speed PCIe data transfer when paired with a compatible NVMe drive and motherboard.
• Q: How many drives can I install with this card? A: You can install up to two M.2 NGFF drives on the PCIe RAID card, plus two additional SATA III drives via the onboard SATA ports, giving you flexible storage topology for large data sets, caches, and backups.
• Q: Do I need to install drivers to use the RAID features? A: In most cases, basic RAID configuration is handled by the card’s hardware RAID engine, but you may need to install vendor-provided drivers or management utilities to monitor RAID status and configure arrays in some operating systems.
• Q: Can I use the M.2 and SATA ports simultaneously? A: Yes. The design allows concurrent use of both M.2 drives and the SATA III ports, enabling a mixed storage solution that optimizes performance and capacity according to your workflow.
• Q: Is this card compatible with all PC cases and motherboards? A: It is designed for standard desktop PCIe slots and most cases, but compatibility can vary by motherboard BIOS/UEFI and available PCIe lanes. Check your motherboard documentation for lane allocation and BIOS support to ensure optimal operation.