StarTech.com 10-Port SATA PCIe Card – 6Gbps Expansion with Stacked Connectors

Maximize your system’s storage capacity with the StarTech.com SATA PCIe Card, a high-performance expansion solution designed to add up to ten SATA drives through a single PCI Express interface. This 10-port PCIe SATA expansion card is engineered for demanding workloads—from video editing and backup servers to data-intensive workstations—letting you build expansive, reliable storage without sacrificing performance. Featuring stacked SATA connectors for dense drive installation and 6Gbps SATA speeds, it’s the perfect upgrade for professionals who need fast, scalable storage in a compact footprint. Whether you’re assembling a media workstation, a high-capacity PC, or a small server, this card delivers robust connectivity and seamless integration with your existing system. The combination of multiple SATA ports, easy deployment, and a driver-friendly architecture makes it an essential component for anyone looking to streamline data workflows with a single, economical upgrade.

• Massive drive expansion in one card. This StarTech SATA PCIe Card enables you to connect up to ten SATA HDDs or SSDs through a single PCIe slot, delivering a scalable storage solution for media libraries, backups, and large datasets. With ten independent 6Gbps channels, you can design fault-tolerant RAID configurations or create direct-access storage pools that accelerate data workflows and reduce bottlenecks in professional environments.
• Blazing-fast 6Gbps SATA performance per port. Each port supports SATA III speeds up to 6Gbps, ensuring fast read and write performance across all connected drives. This translates into quicker file transfers, faster video editing scratch space, and improved overall system responsiveness, even when handling multi-terabyte projects or large sequential transfers.
• Dense, stacked connectors for easy installation. The stacked connector design maximizes drive density, letting you populate more drives in a compact chassis. This arrangement is ideal for workstations and small servers where space is at a premium, enabling a high-capacity storage array without requiring additional PCIe slots.
• Broad compatibility with storage media and system types. The card supports standard 2.5" and 3.5" SATA drives and is suitable for a wide range of computer builds, from custom desktops to workstation configurations. Its PCIe interface provides broad compatibility across many motherboard platforms and operating systems, making it a versatile choice for both new builds and upgrades.
• Easy installation and flexible form factor. With a straightforward PCIe installation process and both low-profile (half-height) and full-height brackets, this expansion card fits in a variety of chassis sizes. It’s designed for quick deployment with minimal BIOS configuration and driver setup, so you can start expanding storage right away and focus on your workflow rather than hardware fiddling.

Technical Details of StarTech.com SATA PCIe Card

• Ports: 10 SATA ports supporting SATA III up to 6Gbps per port
• Interface: PCI Express host interface for reliable, high-speed data transfer
• Connector arrangement: Stacked SATA connectors to maximize drive density
• Drive compatibility: Supports 2.5" and 3.5" SATA HDDs and SSDs (SATA I/II/III)
• Form factor: Includes both low-profile (half-height) and standard-height brackets for broad chassis compatibility
• Power: Bus-powered via PCIe slot; no external power connector typically required

How to Install StarTech.com SATA PCIe Card

Installing the StarTech.com SATA PCIe Card is designed to be straightforward, with a focus on quick integration into a variety of PC builds. Follow these general steps to add ten SATA ports to your system and configure your drive array for immediate use:

• Power down your computer and unplug the power cord. Ground yourself to prevent static discharge before handling internal components.
• Open the computer case and locate an available PCI Express slot (preferably PCIe x4 or higher) on your motherboard.
• Insert the StarTech SATA PCIe Card firmly into the PCIe slot until it seats securely. If your case uses a screw-down PCIe slot cover, secure the bracket with a screw to prevent movement.
• Attach your SATA drives to the stacked SATA connectors on the card using standard SATA data and power cables. Route cables neatly to maintain airflow and avoid obstruction of fans or other components.
• Install the appropriate bracket (low-profile or full-height) that matches your chassis, then close the case. Power up the system and enter BIOS/UEFI to confirm the card is detected and the drives are recognized.
• Install any necessary drivers or rely on operating system native support if applicable. Once detected by the OS, initialize and format drives as needed for your storage pool, RAID configuration, or direct-attached storage uses.

Frequently asked questions

• How many drives can I connect with this card? Up to ten SATA drives can be connected through the single PCIe expansion card, providing a high-density storage upgrade for workstations, media centers, and servers.
• What type of PCIe connection does it use? It uses a PCI Express interface to connect to the motherboard, delivering high-speed data transfer between the host system and the connected drives.
• Is external power required for this card? In most configurations, the card is bus-powered by the PCIe slot and does not require an additional external power supply. Depending on drive mix and workload, ensure your system’s power supply is adequate for sustained operations.
• Will this card work with Windows and Linux? The StarTech SATA PCIe Card is designed for broad compatibility with major operating systems. Refer to StarTech’s official driver and compatibility documentation for exact OS support and driver availability for your setup.
• Can I use this card in a small form factor (SFF) case? Yes, the card includes a low-profile bracket suitable for compact chassis, while a full-height bracket is also provided for standard cases, enabling flexible installation in a variety of builds.