Multiple SATA controllers

[mysts]

Is it ok to have more than one SATA pci controllers. For example two of the Promise TX2300 SATA controllers in one computer using winxp pro.

[redwudz]

I use two PCI Promise TX4 SATA controllers in one of my servers, never any problems. You could probably add more till you run out of PCI sockets. Each of those controllers have 4 channels, in addition to four more on the motherboard. I also have a server that uses PATA drives and has two PCI PATA controllers. The servers are both running XP Pro at present.

[mysts]

redwudz,

Thanks for the info. With ide harddrives getting scarce sata controllers will become more popular.

[redwudz]

The biggest problem I have seen is the lack of enough PCI ports on newer motherboards, though there are PCI-X and PCI-E controller cards available if you need one more controller. Offsetting this somewhat, newer MBs do have more onboard SATA ports.

I should mention, these cards are very easy to use, almost plug and play. You can save a few $$ by using a non-raid card. I mainly like to use Silicon Image chipset cards, but there are a lot of them out there, some fairly inexpensive. I've re-used the Promise cards for several years in three of four different computers and never a problem. They run about $60 for a TX4 at Newegg. They are non-raid and best for HDD use. The Silcon Image chipset cards are better for optical drives.