Supermicro 8-Port Serial ATA Card

Unlock scalable storage capacity and streamlined data throughput with the Supermicro SAT2-MV8 8-Port Serial ATA Card. Built around the Marvell Hercules-2 Rev. C0 SATA host controller, this 8-port SATA controller attaches to a 64-bit PCI-X bus to deliver high-performance, reliable storage expansion for servers and workstations. As a second-generation SATA storage card, the SAT2-MV8 doubles the data transfer rate of its predecessor, enabling faster data access, accelerated backups, and more responsive virtualization environments. If you’re building a robust storage backbone for a data center, enterprise server, or high-demand workstation, this card provides the connectivity you need without sacrificing stability or compatibility.

• Eight independent SATA ports on a single PCI-X card. Scale your storage instantly by adding eight channels to a single expansion slot, simplifying cable management and reducing PCI complexity in dense server configurations.
• 64-bit PCI-X interface for high bandwidth workloads. Designed to maximize throughput in mission-critical environments, the SAT2-MV8 minimizes bottlenecks during large file transfers, database operations, and heavy I/O tasks.
• Marvell Hercules-2 Rev. C0 controller for reliable performance. The renowned Hercules-2 architecture provides solid data handling, error management, and compatibility with mainstream operating systems, ensuring stable operation under sustained workloads.
• Enterprise-ready, hot-plug capable SATA storage solution. Built for server environments, this card supports flexible maintenance windows and rapid hardware replacement without significant downtime, helping keep services online.
• Broad compatibility with storage drives and operating systems. Works with standard SATA hard drives and SSDs, and with common server OSes (Windows and Linux), making it suitable for software RAID setups or standalone usage in diverse deployments.

Technical Details of Supermicro 8-Port Serial ATA Card

• Controller: Marvell Hercules-2 Rev. C0 SATA host controller
• Ports: 8 x SATA ports (8-channel straight-through connectivity for eight drives)
• Bus Interface: 64-bit PCI-X
• Data Rate: Supports SATA I/II interface (up to 3 Gbps per port) with aggregate bandwidth suitable for multi-drive configurations
• Form Factor: PCI-X expansion card (typical full-height/standard profile; available in variations for different chassis depths)
• Compatibility: OS support includes common Windows Server editions and various Linux distributions; ideal for software RAID or standalone storage configurations
• Reliability: Enterprise-grade design focused on stable operation, error handling, and long-term uptime in server environments

how to install Supermicro 8-Port Serial ATA Card

• Power down your server, unplug the power cords, and discharge any static electricity before handling hardware.
• Open the chassis and locate an available PCI-X 64-bit expansion slot that matches the card’s requirements.
• Remove the slot cover, align the SAT2-MV8 card with the slot, and firmly press it into place to ensure a secure connection.
• Secure the card with the rear bracket screw to prevent movement during operation.
• Reconnect power and storage cables to the eight SATA ports, ensuring proper cable routing to avoid blockage of fans or other components.
• Power on the system and enter the server BIOS/POST to confirm the SAT2-MV8 is detected. If applicable, configure any on-board ROM options or RAID settings within the BIOS and boot into the operating system.
• Install or update the appropriate vendor drivers for your operating system to ensure optimal performance and drive recognition.
• In your OS, format and partition the attached drives as needed, and configure software RAID or storage pools according to your workload requirements.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is the primary benefit of the Supermicro 8-Port Serial ATA Card? A: It provides eight independent SATA connections in a single PCI-X card, enabling scalable storage expansion and improved data throughput for servers and workstation environments.
• Q: Is this card compatible with PCI-X and PCIe motherboards? A: The SAT2-MV8 is designed for PCI-X 64-bit slots; compatibility with PCIe slots is not guaranteed and should be verified against your motherboard specifications.
• Q: Can I use this card for hardware RAID? A: Many deployments use software RAID via the operating system; hardware RAID capabilities depend on the OS and drivers. Check your OS documentation for supported configurations.
• Q: What types of drives can I connect? A: You can connect standard SATA hard drives and SATA SSDs supported by the SATA interface on the card, allowing flexible storage options.
• Q: Does it support hot-swapping? A: Yes, SATA drives connected to enterprise controllers typically support hot-swapping, enabling easier maintenance in server environments.