Looking for RAID card recommendation

[t_ski]

I'm upgrading my home server (WHS ver 1) to a new OS and new hardware, and I would like to invest in a decent RAID controller. Here's what I'm looking for the controller to support:

1. OS will be Windows 8.1 or server 2012 R2 (R2 if I can get a key)
2. I plan to start with three 3TB Hitachi SATA3 NAS drives
3. Must be able to do Raid 5
4. PCIe card (up to 16x)

My budget is $300 max. I don't mind a SAS card with a breakout cable, but I'd like the cable to be included in the kit. A BBU is optional, as the server has a UPS that it will be plugged into. It would be great to find an 8-port card for that price, just in case my needs grow over time, and I could add more drives or build a second array.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions

 

[Blue Fox]

Plenty of good LSI cards that can be had for that budget I think. Areca too if you don't mind getting one used.

 

[omniscence]

If you want to buy new, a 9240-8i is an option.
If you want high performance you should get something with onboard RAM like the LSI 9260/61/65/66/70/71.
I got a used 9271-4i for ~$150$ a while ago.

 

[t_ski]

Thanks, I will check those out. I was kind of thinking about this one:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16816118234

I'd prefer to buy new if possible, just in case I need to leverage a warranty.