Hot-Swap compatible SATA controller

[ViRaL1]

I'm looking for a PCI SATA controller that supports hot swap for a removable drive. I have a client that will be using this for backup, swapping out the drives once a day and running the backup. I have found enclosures at a fairly decent price, but I'm not sure if this is something inherent in SATA or if I need a high-end controller to support it. There's no onboard SATA in the server so I do know I'll have to buy a controller, I just want to be sure I'm quoting a high enough price to cover my costs.

TIA

[tgm4883]

It is my understanding that the hot swap is part of the sata standard. What you must make sure of is that whatever enclosure you are using can hot swap ( or at least turn it off) The reason for this is that most power is not hot swapable. You either need special equipment or need to turn it off before unplugging the drive. (the equipment isn't that special, but you should make sure that it is hot swapable before you electricute yourself)

[redwudz]

Hot swapping is in the SATA specification, so most any controller should work. If you are using a mobile rack with a removable tray for the drives, just get one with the electronic key switch that turns off the power and unlatches the tray before it can be removed. Make sure the internal and external power connectors match your drives and power supply cables and definitely get a unit with a internal fan.


And be sure to tell the user to make sure the drive is not being written to or from when powering it off. But that's just a normal precaution.

SATA uses 5VDC, and 12VDC on a Molex connector so no danger of electrocution.