Frequently Asked Questions About External SAS Interface PCIe Cards
External PCI-Express SAS controllers have SAS ports for connecting external hard disks to computers. If you want to attach a bank of external drives for a server or RAID system, these controllers can be a good solution. You can use them with cables that support multiple SAS or SATA connectors to create a customized setup.
What is a serial SCSI host bus adapter (HBA)?
SCSI stands for small computer system interface, and it was one of the first interface-bus standards to be adopted for computer systems. PCI-Express boards provide a computer with a serial SCSI controller that can manage a data connection with multiple hard drives. SCSI controllers are well-suited to setting up network servers or large-scale RAID storage systems because they can manage over a dozen drives at one time.
What features do these PCI-E SAS HBAs have?
Serial SCSI host-bus adapters come in several configurations for setting up a computer with a large number of hard disks. Some of the features to look for are:
- External vs. internal ports: Most PCI-E SCSI HBAs have internal ports that make it easy to connect hard drives installed in the same computer chassis. There are also HBAs that provide external ports or both internal and external ports.
- Number of ports: The number of devices an HBA can control varies from one card to another, so it's important to get the adapter that can handle the number of drives you want to install.
- Data throughput: There is a limit to how much data can move through an HBA at one time. Consider this when choosing a Serial SCSI adapter.
- PCIe slot size: PCI-Express expansion slots that are found on PC motherboards come in several sizes, ranging from x1 to x32. Be sure that the PCIe device you choose will fit one of the available slots on your computer.
How is a PCIe SAS interface board installed?
Installing a PCIe expansion card is a straightforward task as long as you are familiar with the internal components of a computer and understand how to handle exposed circuit boards safely, such as keeping them away from static electricity. The following is a general overview of how to install this type of interface board:
- Step 1: Choose an available PCI-Express slot that the expansion card will fit into that also has room for the cabling you'll need to attach.
- Step 2: Remove the protective cover on the back of the computer case behind the slot.
- Step 3: Insert the PCI-E device into the slot, pressing it down firmly until it's fully seated.
- Step 4: Fasten the back cover on the device. Usually, a screw is used to attach it to the computer case.