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SATA splitter - I need additional SATA slots for the drive and disk

Qostek 16020 18
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How can I add more SATA ports when my motherboard has too few, and can I boot from a drive on the added controller?

There is no SATA data splitter; the practical solution is to add a PCI or PCIe SATA controller card instead [#16702535][#17117940][#17117972] If you need to boot from the attached drive, choose a boot-capable controller and install or integrate its drivers during OS setup (for example with nLite) [#16702535] A PCIe controller is preferable if you have a free PCIe slot; PCI is the fallback, and USB is an inefficient internal workaround [#17117972][#17119365] One disk can be connected to the added controller while an optical drive stays on the motherboard SATA port [#17119935] A SIL3114-based controller was recommended as a good example, with drivers installed before connecting the disks [#17119970]
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  • #1 16702522
    Qostek
    Level 9  
    Posts: 13
    Dear Forum Members,

    I would like to kindly ask a general question, what can I do in a situation when I lack the SATA sockets on the motherboard, I have been looking for a long time on the Internet for a SATA data cable splitter, but I found only the power supply. Are there generally SATA cable splitters for data transient?

    As an alternative I thought of https://www.morele.net/kontroler-i-tec-2xsata-2xsata-pce2sata-747371/
    I-TEC 2xSATA + 2xSATA controller (PCE2SATA)

    I'm just not sure if it requires rudders if it wouldn't be possible to load the system from the disk. Hence the question, am I right or am I wrong?

    Finally, I would like to kindly ask for other alternatives that come to your mind.

    Thank you in advance for your answers and interest ;)
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  • #2 16702535
    Robert B
    Level 43  
    Posts: 22594
    Help: 2027
    Rate: 1412
    Qostek wrote:
    Are there generally SATA cable splitters for data transient?

    No.
    Qostek wrote:
    would it not be possible to load the system from the disk

    First of all, you need to look for a boot controller and secondly, during the installation of the system, you need to provide drivers for the device, or integrate them using n-lite.
  • #3 16702541
    Kasek21
    Level 43  
    Posts: 45502
    Help: 4962
    Rate: 3503
    Qostek wrote:
    I was looking for a long time on the internet for a SATA data cable splitter

    There is nothing like that.

    Enter motherboard model ?!
    How many SATA devices are to be connected in total?
    You must be able to boot from any device ?!
    What exactly are the disks connected to?
    What drives do you want to connect?
  • #4 16702686
    enhanced
    Level 43  
    Posts: 10427
    Help: 961
    Rate: 876
    http://www.ebay.com/bhp/sata-port-multiplier
    I don't know how to boot from such a system - but you probably have more than one sata port on your computer to boot from it, and this as additional drives / disks?
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  • #5 16702853
    Robert B
    Level 43  
    Posts: 22594
    Help: 2027
    Rate: 1412
    For now, the author did not reveal the secret of the motherboard, so if you think it makes no sense.
  • #6 17117897
    Lysol1
    Level 9  
    Posts: 13
    Rate: 5
    Hello.
    I will connect to the topic. I'm also interested in the possibility of an additional SATA II socket.
    I have a GigaByte GA-M61SME-S2L motherboard. It has 2 SATA II sockets and both are used. I need to connect a third internal device (DVD recorder). Apparently there are PCI to SATA adapters or USB to SATA adapters. Please let me know which adapter I can use and whether it is possible at all.
    greetings
  • #7 17117940
    Robert B
    Level 43  
    Posts: 22594
    Help: 2027
    Rate: 1412
    The answer has already been given. Buy any PCI SATA controller and that's it in the subject.
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  • #8 17117972
    Karaczan
    Level 42  
    Posts: 6683
    Help: 865
    Rate: 1101
    The safest and most efficient will be an additional controller in the form of a PCI card.
    Even more efficient were the controller on PCI Express, your motherboard has such a connector.
    They come out similarly priced.

    USB is an inefficient makeshift if it has to be internally.
  • #10 17119396
    Karaczan
    Level 42  
    Posts: 6683
    Help: 865
    Rate: 1101
    It is the author who knows what graphics card he has and whether the controller will fit.
    Ew always remain of all sorts so-called risers.
    I think it's worth thinking about it.
    Prices for PCIE and PCI controllers are similar.
    PCIE is faster and future-proof ;)
    As if the new equipment lacked SATA ports, which I doubtfully doubt, but let's assume.

    And seriously so ...
    People still use recorders ?! ;)

    Now I realized that there are 2 "authors" and a dug up topic :D
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  • #11 17119671
    Lysol1
    Level 9  
    Posts: 13
    Rate: 5
    Thanks for the answers.
    I ordered link
    greetings
  • #12 17119789
    zen3x
    Level 35  
    Posts: 2852
    Help: 231
    Rate: 291
    I don't want to be a bad prophet, but not all Raid SATA controllers (whether on PCI / PCI-express) have the ability to work with non-disk drives.
  • #13 17119935
    bolekis
    Level 35  
    Posts: 2894
    Help: 199
    Rate: 261
    That's right, but one hard drive can be connected to an additional controller and an optical drive to the motherboard.
  • #15 17431856
    RadziolMen
    Level 11  
    Posts: 119
    Rate: 19
    Hello ! :)

    I'm connecting to the topic. - same problem with too few SATA connectors.

    I expanded the GA-M52LT-D3 with an SSD drive, leaving a second SATA to satry drive.
    I have now bought my son GTA5 and I have no connection between the recorder and the disc to install the game (7 discs).

    The problem is that the PCI controller you proposed -> SATA is no longer available on my ALL portal ... O: /

    Where to buy or are there better solutions, e.g. via USB?
  • #16 17431885
    Kolobos
    IT specialist  
    Posts: 85152
    Help: 17158
    Rate: 10418
    @RadziolMen no discs are required, you can download the game from Steam after registering the code.

    Controllers based on sil chipset are still available on Allegro, e.g.: https://allegro.pl/unitek-kontroler-pci-4x-sata-ii-raid-i7509685443.html

    However, if you only need it to connect the drive, you can think of something cheaper, e.g. on a gender basis.
  • #17 17431966
    RadziolMen
    Level 11  
    Posts: 119
    Rate: 19
    But I can't even locate this PCI-E connector.
    I mean, I see them on the board with two pci-e x1 connectors right below connected to the pci-e x16
    but on all ... I found only this:
    Gembird CC-PSU-SATA, adapter with SATA [M] for PCI-E 6-pin [F] 20cm
    :(

    Help me solve this case as cheaply as possible without having to set up a steam account: /
  • #19 17432035
    RadziolMen
    Level 11  
    Posts: 119
    Rate: 19
    And great :)
    Indeed, the cheapest option in hardware :)
    You did it :)

    Thanks a lot ;)
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Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around the need for additional SATA slots for connecting drives due to a lack of available SATA ports on the motherboard. Users suggest that SATA data cable splitters do not exist, and instead recommend using a PCI or PCI Express SATA controller to add more SATA connections. The I-TEC 2xSATA + 2xSATA controller is mentioned as a potential solution, but concerns are raised about its compatibility for booting the system. Users emphasize the importance of ensuring the controller supports the intended drives, particularly optical drives, and suggest checking motherboard specifications for compatibility. Alternatives such as USB to SATA adapters are discussed, but PCI controllers are preferred for internal connections. Specific controllers like the SIL3114 are recommended, along with links to purchase options.
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FAQ

TL;DR: Need more SATA? There are 0 valid SATA data splitters for data; “There is nothing like that.” Add a SATA controller, and ensure it can boot and has drivers. [Elektroda, Kasek21, post #16702541]

Why it matters: This FAQ helps PC upgraders and tinkerers quickly pick safe, bootable ways to add SATA devices without wasting money.

Quick Facts

Are there SATA data cable splitters I can use for more ports?

No. SATA data cannot be split like power; you must add controller ports or use a different interface. “There is nothing like that.” [Elektroda, Kasek21, post #16702541]

What’s the best way to add more SATA ports to my PC?

Install a SATA controller card. Prefer PCIe for better throughput and longevity; PCI versions also exist and are similarly priced. [Elektroda, Karaczan, post #17117972]

Can I boot Windows or Linux from a PCIe/PCI SATA controller?

Yes, if the card is boot‑capable. During OS setup, supply its drivers or integrate them so the installer sees the disk. [Elektroda, Robert B, post #16702535]

How do I install a SIL3114 SATA PCI card correctly?

  1. Download the SIL3114 drivers.
  2. Install drivers, then power down and connect your drives to the card.
  3. Set the card’s port as a boot device if installing the OS there. “Install them before connecting disks.” [Elektroda, Robert B, post #17119970]

What is a SATA port multiplier, and should I use one?

A SATA port multiplier lets several drives share one host port. Booting from such setups is unclear and often unsupported; use add‑in controllers instead. [Elektroda, enhanced, post #16702686]

Will a RAID SATA card work with my DVD/Blu‑ray drive?

Not always. Many RAID‑focused controllers only handle hard drives or SSDs and fail with optical drives. Plan your connections accordingly. [Elektroda, zen3x, post #17119789]

PCI vs. PCIe: which SATA controller should I choose?

Choose PCIe when possible; it’s faster and more future‑proof. PCI works for legacy systems but limits performance of modern drives. [Elektroda, Karaczan, post #17117972]

What if my graphics card blocks the PCIe slot I want to use?

Physical clearance can be an issue with dual‑slot GPUs. If blocked, use a legacy PCI card or a riser to reposition. [Elektroda, bolekis, post #17119365]

Is USB‑to‑SATA good enough for an internal optical drive?

Use it only as a workaround. “USB is an inefficient makeshift if it has to be internally.” For internal use, prefer a SATA controller. [Elektroda, Karaczan, post #17117972]

Can I add an old IDE optical drive to a SATA‑only system?

Yes. Use a bidirectional IDE↔SATA adapter to connect the drive, then attach it to your board’s SATA port. [Elektroda, Kolobos, post #17432005]

Which budget SATA controller chipset did users recommend here?

SIL3114 received positive feedback as a stable, bootable option when paired with correct drivers. [Elektroda, Robert B, post #17119970]

How many extra ports did the referenced budget card add?

The linked PCI controller provided 4 SATA ports, enough for multiple HDDs or SSDs on older boards. [Elektroda, Lysol1, post #17119671]

How should I arrange drives if my RAID card rejects optical drives?

Connect HDD/SSD to the add‑in controller and keep the optical drive on the motherboard’s native SATA. This avoids compatibility issues. [Elektroda, bolekis, post #17119935]

Do I need physical game discs (e.g., GTA V) if I lack an optical drive?

No. Register your code and download the game via Steam instead of using discs; it’s simpler and free to set up. [Elektroda, Kolobos, post #17431885]

Any gotchas when expanding SATA on old systems?

Yes. Some cards won’t present optical drives, and blocked PCIe slots can limit choices. Verify chipset support before buying. [Elektroda, zen3x, post #17119789]

What real‑world gain should I expect from PCIe vs. PCI cards?

PCIe avoids the legacy PCI bottleneck, helping SSDs sustain higher throughput. On this thread, PCIe was called faster and more future‑proof. [Elektroda, Karaczan, post #17117972]
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