Please recommend a SATA controller card

[eatpills]

Hi All,

I am currently planning a file server build (thread here: http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1794116) and am in need of a SATA controller card for additional drives. I would get a motherboard with extra ports (the ASRock board I've chosen has six) but the cost seems significant. For example, moving from the ASRock H87M Pro4 to the ASUS Z87-PLUS -- the cheapest LGA 1150 motherboard (with positive reviews) with eight SATA ports -- dictates a $60 price difference. Just for two extra ports (I know that there may be extra functionality with the Asus but that's of no value to a file server). And there's the issue of moving from my preferred uATX form factor to ATX.

SATA controller cards on Newegg seem to receive overwhelmingly negative reviews. As such, I was hoping for some recommendations given your personal experiences. I have a few requirements:
- price: under $50
- at least four ports
- PCI Express
- don't need any RAID features (will be running FlexRAID)

Please let me know if you need extra details.

Thank you!

 

[Deleted member 88227]

Look into AMD APU line up of motherboards. (FM2/FM2+) When I was building my file server I went that route since they had sub $100 motherboards with 8 SATA ports. I also chose the same case you're gonna be using since it could hold all the drives I needed.