External enclosure or replace motherboard?

[fleggett]

Hi, all. I have an Intel BadAxe2 board that's suddenly developed issues with the Intel SATA ports. It seems that ports 1 and 3 have failed, yet 0 and 2 are still working. Rather strange, as I would've thought the entire cluster would go instead of just a couple of ports, but that seems to be the case. The Marvell ports are fine.

I'm using six HDs plus one optical, and they're all SATA-based. My question is this - the BadAxe2 is getting a bit long in the tooth (despite the king's ransom it still demands on e-tailers like Newegg). And I've kinda/sorta wanted to move away from having all these drives stuffed in my case, so I've been looking at possibly a 5-bay (or more) external enclosure.

I don't know if this is a fine idea, though. The 4+ enclosures on Newegg seem a bit iffy on the construction and reliability scale. I'm also unsure if this should be done without opting for the more expensive port multiplier route versus the simple eSATA PCI card solution.

Price is a concern. I wish it weren't, but it is. I drool at some of the enclosures offered by outfits like PC PitStop, but they're just way beyond my pay grade once you figure in the enclosure + card + cable(s).

So, what would you do? Replace the motherboard with a current model (which would require a board with at least seven ports) or take a chance on one of the 5-bay enclosures on Newegg? I'd be running in simple JBOD mode, not any RAID config (if that makes any difference).

 

[Dangman]

So, what would you do? Replace the motherboard with a current model (which would require a board with at least seven ports) or take a chance on one of the 5-bay enclosures on Newegg? I'd be running in simple JBOD mode, not any RAID config (if that makes any difference).

I'd RMA the Intel motherboard. Should still be under warranty right?

If not, I'd take a look at some of these enclosures:
http://addonics.com/products/raid_system/mst4.asp

There are several different models that fit different budgets and needs.

But the cheapest and easiest option would be getting a simple add-on 4 port controller for the HDDs like this:
Promise SATA 300 TX4 PCI 4 Port SATA II Controller Card - $60

If you do decide that you want a new mobo, here's some recommendations:
Asus P5Q Pro Intel P45 Motherboard - $115
Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3P Intel P45 Motherboard - $130

 

[Old Hippie]

I'm also unsure if this should be done without opting for the more expensive port multiplier route versus the simple eSATA PCI card solution.

Without the multiplier there will be a seperate cable for every drive. Not the prettiest solution when you get into 4-5 drives.

but they're just way beyond my pay grade once you figure in the enclosure + card + cable(s).

There's the rub. Without knowing your price point, suggestions are pretty much a waste of typing power.

 

[fleggett]

Without the multiplier there will be a seperate cable for every drive. Not the prettiest solution when you get into 4-5 drives.

That's true. Having four separate cables is unacceptable, as it doesn't eliminate the cable clutter I'm hoping to, well, eliminate. So, it looks like it'll be a port multiplier solution or bust.

There's the rub. Without knowing your price point, suggestions are pretty much a waste of typing power.

Well, I was hoping the PC PitStop reference would infer my price ceilings (and yes, I know they offer a wide range of products). My wallet in this venture isn't "fixed" in that sense, as it depends on the product in question. My top three required features would be:

• Size - must be very compact and portable.
• Cleanliness - must employ port multiplier technology.
• Capability - must support at least four drives, preferably five.

Other features, like hot-swappability and status LEDs would be nice, but not necessary if it means the price rises to the stratosphere.

 

[fleggett]

I'd RMA the Intel motherboard. Should still be under warranty right?

Believe it or not, I never even considered that. In looking at my ZZF invoice, it surely is. Hmmm. Now I just need to navigate Intel's rather labyrinthine RMA procedure. Thanks for the suggestion.

If not, I'd take a look at some of these enclosures:
http://addonics.com/products/raid_system/mst4.asp

There are several different models that fit different budgets and needs.

They do indeed look like possibilities. Certainly cheaper alternatives to PC PitStop's offerings. Bookmarked!

But the cheapest and easiest option would be getting a simple add-on 4 port controller for the HDDs like this:
Promise SATA 300 TX4 PCI 4 Port SATA II Controller Card - $60

Eeuuhhh, but that's putting a band-aid on the situation. The price of that card could also go a long ways towards the Asus or Gigabyte boards (thanks for the recommendations), which contains much newer tech than the BA2. I suppose the smartest route would be to just RMA the Intel board and wait for the replacement, but the appeal of getting an external enclosure is very tempting.,,,