StarTech.com SATA PCIe Card, 6 Port PCIe SATA Expansion Card, 6Gbps SATA Adapter, Stacked SATA Connectors, PCI Express to SATA Converter

The StarTech.com SATA PCIe Card is your go-to solution for expanding storage capacity in desktops, workstations, and servers. Designed for professionals who demand dependable, high-performance connectivity, this 6-port PCIe SATA expansion card delivers SATA III 6Gbps performance across six drives from a single PCIe connection. It’s an ideal upgrade for video editing suites, data backup routines, virtualization hosts, and any system that requires more direct-attached storage without sacrificing space, airflow, or reliability. The stacked SATA connectors maximize internal space, making it easier to route cables in dense builds while keeping your chassis tidy and accessible for maintenance. With StarTech’s proven engineering, you get a durable, easy-to-install expansion card that blends seamlessly with your existing hardware and software ecosystem.

• Six SATA III ports (6Gbps per port) provide ample bandwidth for high-throughput workloads, enabling fast transfer speeds for media projects, large datasets, and multi-drive pools. This makes it a superb choice for JBOD configurations, storage pools, and direct-attached storage setups where maximizing peak throughput matters.
• Stacked SATA connectors offer a compact, space-saving layout that reduces cable clutter and improves airflow inside the chassis. This design is particularly advantageous in compact towers and 1U server environments where every inch of space counts and cable management directly impacts system thermals and longevity.
• Broad compatibility with major operating systems, including Windows and Linux, ensures a straightforward integration into diverse environments. The card is designed for plug-and-play usage on many platforms, with drivers available from StarTech or included in modern OS distributions to simplify deployment in mixed workstations or server farms.
• Reliable, motherboard-grade connectivity that is built to endure continuous operation in professional settings. The card maintains solid signal integrity across all ports, helping to minimize drive errors and maintain consistent performance during long-running tasks such as backups, streaming workloads, or virtualization sessions.
• Versatile expansion that suits a wide range of storage strategies. Whether you’re expanding an existing NAS-like setup, adding hot-swappable bays for media libraries, or building a high-density workhorse for data-intensive applications, this PCIe SATA card delivers dependable 6-port growth without requiring a separate RAID controller for basic drive attachment.

Technical Details of StarTech.com SATA PCIe Card

• Interface: PCI Express expansion card designed to connect to a motherboard PCIe slot
• Ports: 6 x SATA III (6Gbps) connectors for six drives, enabling substantial direct-attached storage capacity
• Connector Layout: Stacked SATA connectors to maximize internal space and simplify cable routing in tight chassis
• Form Factor: Standard PCIe card; compatible with typical desktop motherboards and server boards that provide PCIe x1 or higher slots
• Operating System Support: Broad compatibility with Windows and Linux distributions, with driver support from StarTech
• Power Requirements: Powered by the PCIe slot; typically does not require an additional power connector for standard drive configurations

How to install StarTech.com SATA PCIe Card

• Power down your computer or server, unplug from the wall, and open the chassis to access the motherboard area.
• Locate an available PCIe slot suitable for the card (often x1 or higher); remove the back panel slot cover if needed and align the card with the slot.
• Insert the StarTech SATA PCIe card firmly into the PCIe slot until it is fully seated, then secure the card to the chassis with a screw to ensure stability.
• Mount the appropriate bracket (standard or low-profile, depending on your chassis and card variant) and close the case after connecting the drives.
• Connect your six SATA drives to the six ports on the card using standard SATA cables. Ensure cables are routed to avoid obstruction to fans and other components.
• Power on the system. The operating system should recognize the new storage controller automatically in many cases; install any recommended drivers from StarTech if prompted.
• In your BIOS/UEFI, verify that the new controller and attached drives are detected. Boot order can be adjusted if the drives attached to this card are intended to host an operating system or act as data drives.
• Initialize and format the new drives within the operating system’s disk management utility, and configure your preferred storage setup (JBOD, software RAID, or independent volumes) as needed.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: How many drives can this card connect? A: This card provides six SATA III ports, allowing you to connect up to six drives directly to your system.
• Q: What speed do the SATA ports support? A: Each port supports SATA III, delivering up to 6Gbps per drive, which translates to faster file transfers and improved responsiveness for large workloads.
• Q: Do I need an external power connector for the drives? A: In most standard configurations powered by the PCIe slot, external power connectors are not required. Some high-density or high-consumption arrays may necessitate additional power, so check your drive specifications and chassis capabilities for your particular setup.
• Q: Is RAID supported by this card? A: The card itself provides direct SATA connectivity. RAID capabilities depend on your operating system, motherboard RAID controller, or software RAID solutions, rather than the card providing native hardware RAID features.
• Q: Which operating systems are supported? A: The card is designed to work with major operating systems, including Windows and Linux distributions. For the best results, verify compatibility with your exact OS version and kernel before deployment.