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How to fully utilize SATA ports?

M

mwelling12

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Joined
Dec 25, 2006
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I have recently been experimenting with expanded storage for the first time. I've realized that, while my motherboard has 3 SATA connections, the specs say it can support 6 SATA drives. This leads me to understand 2 drives per connector, but it seems the only SATA cables I can find are one to one connections, and most of the research I've seen suggests that SATA connections are one to one.

How do I fully utilize my SATA ports? Is there any disadvantages to connecting more than one drive to one port, if this is indeed possible?

Thanks.
 
This leads me to understand 2 drives per connector, but it seems the only SATA cables I can find are one to one connections, and most of the research I've seen suggests that SATA connections are one to one.
Click to expand...

No SATA is point to point. It only supports 1 drive per port.

The Intel chipset has support for 6 drives just that for some reason the motherboard manufacturer did not add the connectors. At work I have HP machines that do this.
 
Perhaps the board will support 2 SATA cables and 1 1-4 expander cable (SAS to SATA -- if I recall).
 
no the motherboard most likely doesnt have a SAS connector unless this is a server motherboard.

the chipset on your motherboard may support 6 sata connections, but if you only have 3 physical connectors, you are limited to 3 drives.
 
I've realized that, while my motherboard has 3 SATA connections, the specs say it can support 6 SATA drives.
Click to expand...
What MB are we talking about.......I left my tinfoil know-it-all hat in my other spaceship. :)
 
mwelling12 said:
I have recently been experimenting with expanded storage for the first time. I've realized that, while my motherboard has 3 SATA connections, the specs say it can support 6 SATA drives. This leads me to understand 2 drives per connector, but it seems the only SATA cables I can find are one to one connections, and most of the research I've seen suggests that SATA connections are one to one.

How do I fully utilize my SATA ports? Is there any disadvantages to connecting more than one drive to one port, if this is indeed possible?

Thanks.
Click to expand...

Mobo manufacturers will do this to cut costs. Even though there may be spots on the board which would allow extra SATA ports to be added on, the chipset is missing and so are the ports. I've seen this on a lot of low-end systems when only two drives are necessary instead of four or six.

Yes, SATA can only use a single cable, point to point, no Y splitters.
 
@mwelling12: Please post your MB manufacturer and model number.

@Old Hippie: You can borrow my tinfoil know-it-all hat until you get back to your other spaceship :D
 
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