StarTech.com PEXSAT34RH 4-Port PCIe 2.0 SATA III 6Gbps RAID Controller Card with HyperDuo SSD Tiering - Low-Profile
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This RAID controller implements hardware-level RAID functionality with support for RAID 0, 1, 10, and JBOD configurations. The hardware RAID is configured through the card's BIOS interface, providing performance advantages over software-based solutions by offloading processing from the host CPU.
The PCI Express 2.0 x2 host interface delivers sufficient bandwidth for four SATA III ports operating at 6Gbps each. The controller supports Native Command Queuing (NCQ) and standard ATA/ATAPI commands for optimized drive performance. Port Multiplier functionality includes both FIS-based and Command-based switching modes, enabling expanded connectivity in compatible systems.
Relevant factors for this section include Host Interface, Controller Type, RAID Supported, Total Number of SATA Ports. When those points are considered together, they give buyers a clearer picture of how the product is equipped, how it fits into deployment, and what kind of day-to-day role it is meant to support.
Key Product Advantages
The PEXSAT34RH distinguishes itself with HyperDuo SSD auto-tiering technology, which intelligently combines SSD and HDD storage into a single logical volume. This feature automatically moves frequently accessed data to the faster SSD while keeping less-accessed data on the larger HDD, optimizing both performance and capacity utilization.
HyperDuo Configuration Flexibility
HyperDuo can be configured either through the card's BIOS level interface or via an intuitive GUI console available for Windows systems. This dual configuration approach provides flexibility for different deployment scenarios and user preferences.
- BIOS-level configuration
- Windows GUI console
- Auto-tiering optimization
Comprehensive Compatibility
The controller maintains broad compatibility across platforms and drive types, supporting Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems while working with both modern SATA III drives and legacy SATA I/II devices.
- Cross-platform support
- Backward compatible
- Single-chipset design
Deployment / Use Cases
This RAID controller card is ideal for expanding storage capacity in workstations, servers, and NAS builds where additional SATA ports are needed. The hardware RAID support makes it suitable for creating redundant storage arrays for data protection or striped arrays for performance-critical applications.
The low-profile form factor with included half-height bracket enables installation in small form factor systems and rack-mounted servers with limited vertical clearance. HyperDuo technology makes this controller particularly valuable for mixed storage environments where users want to combine the speed of SSDs with the capacity of traditional hard drives.
Workstation Storage Expansion
Add four additional internal SATA ports to desktop workstations for connecting additional hard drives or SSDs, enabling expanded storage for creative professionals, engineers, or data analysts.
- Additional drive connectivity
- Performance storage arrays
- Capacity expansion
Server and NAS Applications
Implement hardware RAID configurations in server environments for data redundancy or performance optimization, with the low-profile design fitting well in rack-mounted systems and compact server chassis.
- Hardware RAID arrays
- Server deployment
- Rack compatibility
Physical Profile
Designed as a low-profile plug-in card measuring 2.80 inches in length, 4.70 inches in width, and 0.80 inches in height (71.12 x 119.38 x 20.32 mm), this controller fits standard PCI Express slots with minimal space requirements. The included low-profile bracket allows installation in small form factor systems, while the integrated heatsink provides thermal management without adding significant height.
- Width
- 4.70" (119.38 mm)
- Height
- Low-profile
- Weight
- 1.70 oz (48.19 g)
- Length
- 2.80" (71.12 mm)
What's in the Box
The controller ships complete with all necessary components for installation and operation.
Highlights
- 4 internal SATA III 6Gbps ports through PCI Express 2.0 x2 interface
- Hardware RAID support for RAID 0, 1, 10, and JBOD configurations
- HyperDuo SSD auto-tiering technology for optimized SSD+HDD performance
- Low-profile form factor with included half-height installation bracket
- Backward compatible with SATA I and II drives (1.5/3.0Gbps)
- Supports Native Command Queuing (NCQ) and ATA/ATAPI commands
- Cross-platform compatibility with PC, Mac, and Linux systems
- Single-chipset design for native hardware support
- Port Multiplier FIS-based and Command-based switching supported
- 2-year limited warranty with TAA compliance
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| Manufacturer Part Number | PEXSAT34RH |
| Brand Name | StarTech.com |
| Product Name | 4 Port PCI Express SATA III 6Gbps RAID Controller Card with Heatsink |
| Packaged Quantity | 1 Each |
| Product Type | SATA Controller |
| Technical Information | |
| Host Interface | PCI Express 2.0 x2 |
| Controller Type | Serial ATA/600 |
| RAID Supported | Yes |
| RAID Levels | JBOD,1,0,1+0 |
| Interfaces/Ports | |
| Total Number of SATA Ports | 4 |
| Number of SATA Ports (Internal) | 4 |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Form Factor | Plug-in Card |
| Card Height | Low-profile |
| Height | 0.80" (20.32 mm) |
| Width | 4.70" (119.38 mm) |
| Length | 2.80" (71.12 mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 1.70 oz (48.19 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Package Contents | 4 Port PCI Express SATA III 6Gbps RAID Controller Card with Heatsink 1 x Low Profile Bracket 1 x Driver CD 1 x Instruction Manual |
| Platform Supported | PC,Mac,Linux |
| Environmentally Friendly | Yes |
| Environmental Certification | EU RoHS |
| Environmental Compliance | Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) 2,Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH),Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) |
| Country of Origin | Taiwan |
| TAA Compliant | Yes |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | 2 Year |
User Manual
FAQ
What is HyperDuo SSD tiering and how does it work?
HyperDuo is an auto-tiering technology that combines SSD and HDD storage into a single logical volume. It automatically monitors data access patterns and moves frequently accessed data to the faster SSD while keeping less-accessed data on the larger HDD. This optimization happens transparently in the background, providing SSD-like performance for active data while maintaining HDD capacity for archival storage.
What RAID levels does this controller support?
The PEXSAT34RH supports hardware RAID 0 (striping for performance), RAID 1 (mirroring for redundancy), RAID 10 (striped mirrors combining performance and redundancy), and JBOD (Just a Bunch of Disks where drives are treated independently). These RAID configurations are set up through the card's BIOS interface, providing hardware-level RAID functionality that offloads processing from the host system.
Is this controller compatible with older SATA drives?
Yes, the controller is fully backward compatible with SATA I (1.5Gbps) and SATA II (3.0Gbps) drives while maintaining compliance with SATA 3.0 specifications. This allows you to mix newer SATA III 6Gbps drives with older SATA I/II drives in the same system, providing flexibility for storage upgrades and legacy drive integration.
What operating systems are supported?
The controller supports Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems. For Windows systems, there is an intuitive GUI console available for configuring HyperDuo settings. The hardware RAID functionality works across all supported platforms through the card's BIOS interface, while basic AHCI mode provides standard storage controller functionality.
What is included in the package for installation?
The package includes the 4-port PCI Express SATA III RAID controller card with integrated heatsink, one low-profile/half-height installation bracket for small form factor systems, a driver CD with necessary software, and a comprehensive instruction manual. The low-profile bracket enables installation in systems with limited vertical clearance.
What are the physical dimensions of this controller card?
The card measures 2.80 inches in length, 4.70 inches in width, and 0.80 inches in height (71.12 x 119.38 x 20.32 mm). It uses a low-profile form factor design that fits standard PCI Express slots with minimal space requirements. The integrated heatsink provides thermal management without adding significant height to the card profile.
| Qty | Price | Available |
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