GLOTRENDS SA3026-C 6-Port PCIe X4 SATA Expansion Card

GLOTRENDS SA3026-C 6-Port PCIe X4 SATA Expansion Card — image 1
GLOTRENDS SA3026-C 6-Port PCIe X4 SATA Expansion Card — image 2
GLOTRENDS SA3026-C 6-Port PCIe X4 SATA Expansion Card — image 3
GLOTRENDS SA3026-C 6-Port PCIe X4 SATA Expansion Card — image 4
GLOTRENDS SA3026-C 6-Port PCIe X4 SATA Expansion Card — image 5
GLOTRENDS SA3026-C 6-Port PCIe X4 SATA Expansion Card — image 6
GLOTRENDS SA3026-C 6-Port PCIe X4 SATA Expansion Card — image 7
GLOTRENDS SA3026-C 6-Port PCIe X4 SATA Expansion Card — image 8
83%
94%
Setup & Installation
88%
Performance & Speed
82%
Compatibility with OS
84%
Build Quality
87%
Reliability
90%
Data Transfer Rate
92%
Value for Money
93%
Ease of Use
80%
Power Supply
75%
LED Indicators Visibility
55%
Windows XP Support
78%
Customer Support
More

Overview

The GLOTRENDS SA3026-C 6-Port PCIe X4 SATA Expansion Card is a versatile solution for adding additional storage to your computer. This SATA expansion card allows users to connect up to six SATA drives simultaneously, making it ideal for those with growing storage needs. Whether you're using a PC, NAS system, or a home server, this PCIe X4 interface card ensures fast and reliable connections. With compatibility across Windows, Linux, and Mac OS, it's a flexible choice for a variety of systems. If you’re looking for an easy and efficient way to expand your storage capacity, this SATA controller offers a simple plug-and-play installation process.

Features & Benefits

This PCIe X4 storage card is equipped with six downstream SATA III ports, allowing for fast data transfer speeds of up to 277MB/s per port. It utilizes a PCI-Express 3.0 X2 interface, providing a total bandwidth of 8GB/s, making it suitable for high-speed data access and management. The card supports plug-and-play installation, which means no drivers are needed for quick setup. Additionally, the built-in LED indicators provide clear status updates for each connected drive, making it easy to monitor operational status. Whether you're running multiple SSDs or HDDs, this expansion card ensures stable performance across all devices.

Best For

The GLOTRENDS SA3026-C 6-Port PCIe X4 SATA Expansion Card is best suited for PC builders and DIY enthusiasts who need to expand their storage options. It’s also an excellent choice for users creating RAID arrays or those with large storage pools. This card shines in home and small office NAS systems, where reliable data transfer and multiple drive support are crucial. If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to add storage without upgrading your motherboard or hardware, this card offers a simple solution with impressive versatility across different operating systems.

User Feedback

Users generally praise this SATA expansion card for its easy installation and broad system compatibility. Many appreciate how it works seamlessly with Windows, Linux, and Mac OS without needing special drivers. Performance is another highlight, with reports of stable and fast data transfers, especially for users managing multiple hard drives. However, some users have noted that it doesn’t support Windows XP, which may limit its use in older systems. Despite this, the overall feedback points to this card being a reliable and cost-effective solution for expanding storage capacity in most modern setups.

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Pros

  • Easy installation with no drivers required, making it ideal for novice users.
  • Works seamlessly across Windows, Linux, and Mac OS, ensuring broad compatibility.
  • Provides six high-speed SATA III ports, ideal for users needing expanded storage.
  • Perfect for PC builders and those setting up RAID arrays or NAS systems.
  • Clear LED indicators for each drive make it simple to monitor drive status.
  • Reliable performance with a solid 277MB/s data transfer rate per port.

Cons

  • Limited support for Windows XP may exclude users with older systems.
  • The card may not fit in smaller cases, especially with additional hardware installed.
  • Some users report that the card doesn't support the highest data transfer needs for heavy workloads.
  • No advanced configuration options for users needing customization or fine-tuning.
  • Power users with specific RAID requirements might find the card's features too basic.
  • A few buyers mentioned issues with the card not recognizing certain older hard drives.

Ratings

After analyzing verified user reviews from a variety of platforms and languages, the scores for the GLOTRENDS SA3026-C 6-Port PCIe X4 SATA Expansion Card reflect a balanced mix of strengths and areas for improvement. Authentic feedback was sourced from global buyers, with spam, bot-generated, and exaggerated reviews excluded to ensure accuracy. Both positive aspects and concerns, particularly around compatibility, are captured in the ratings, offering a comprehensive view of this device's performance and reliability.

Setup & Installation
94%
Users frequently highlight how easy the installation process is. The plug-and-play feature means that even those with minimal technical knowledge can set it up quickly without needing to install drivers. Many mention that it works seamlessly with a variety of operating systems, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced users.
A few users mentioned that while the installation process is generally straightforward, the lack of detailed instructions can leave some less tech-savvy buyers feeling uncertain about how to position the card in their PC. However, these concerns are minimal, and most users report no issues once the card is properly installed.
Performance & Speed
88%
The majority of users are impressed by the fast data transfer speeds provided by this card. With a reported 277MB/s bandwidth per port, users experience quick file access and efficient data handling, making it perfect for expanding storage without compromising on speed. Many mention its ability to handle multiple devices smoothly and consistently.
Some buyers have reported that the performance isn't as high as expected when used with older hardware or configurations. A few users also found that the card's speed didn’t meet their specific needs for high-demand environments like video editing or large-scale data manipulation, particularly when multiple drives were involved.
Compatibility with OS
82%
18%
This SATA expansion card works well across multiple operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and Mac OS, which is a significant advantage for users who operate in mixed-OS environments. Buyers appreciate its seamless compatibility, which ensures that they can integrate it into almost any setup without encountering major issues.
However, several users expressed frustration with the lack of support for Windows XP. This limitation could be an issue for those using older systems, and some have had to upgrade their OS to get full functionality, which could be inconvenient for certain users relying on legacy systems.
Build Quality
84%
The build quality is generally praised for its solid construction. Users often mention that the card feels sturdy and well-made, adding to its reliability for long-term use. The inclusion of both regular and low-profile brackets ensures that the card can fit in a variety of PC cases, which adds versatility.
A few buyers found the physical design to be a bit bulky for smaller cases, especially when installed alongside other hardware. Additionally, while the build is generally good, there were occasional reports of the card not fitting perfectly in specific PC models, causing some installation difficulty.
Reliability
87%
Many users have reported that the card delivers stable and reliable performance once installed. It's particularly appreciated for maintaining consistent data transfer speeds without significant drops in performance over time. This stability is crucial for users setting up larger storage arrays or RAID configurations.
A handful of reviews mentioned occasional connection drops, particularly when using multiple drives at once. While these cases were few, they can be a concern for users who need continuous, uninterrupted performance in high-demand environments.
Data Transfer Rate
90%
With a data transfer rate of 277MB/s per port, this card allows for efficient handling of large files and rapid data transfer, which is especially important for users who work with high-capacity storage. Several users highlighted how the card significantly improved their workflow, particularly when moving or backing up large files.
A few users have noted that while the speed is generally good, it's not always sufficient for users with extreme performance needs, such as those working in video editing or 3D rendering. These power users found that the card's speed was acceptable for most tasks but not fast enough for heavy-duty workloads.
Value for Money
92%
Users consistently feel that this product offers excellent value for money. Its competitive price combined with strong performance and broad compatibility makes it an attractive option for users looking to expand their storage capacity without breaking the bank. Many users mention that it delivers high-quality features at an affordable price.
While most users are satisfied with the price-to-performance ratio, a few noted that they would have liked to see even more advanced features for the price, such as higher transfer speeds or enhanced support for specialized configurations. Nonetheless, these complaints are minor compared to the overall value.
Ease of Use
93%
The ease of use is a major selling point for this card. Many users appreciate the straightforward plug-and-play setup, which requires no complicated installation processes. The intuitive design and clear LED indicators help users monitor drive status, making it simple to use even for those new to building or upgrading PCs.
Despite its overall ease of use, some users found the absence of more advanced configuration options to be a downside. While most users find the card to be plug-and-play, advanced users may feel limited in customizing settings or troubleshooting issues without diving into technical manuals or external support.
Power Supply
80%
20%
The inclusion of a 1:5 SATA power splitter cable is a handy feature for users who need to power multiple drives from a single connection. This ensures that additional storage devices can be added without requiring multiple power cables, streamlining the setup process and minimizing cable clutter.
Some users have reported that the power supply provided by the card isn't sufficient for high-power drives, particularly when using multiple devices in parallel. While this issue doesn't affect everyone, it could be a limiting factor for users with specific hardware requirements or larger setups.
LED Indicators Visibility
75%
25%
The built-in LED indicators allow users to easily check the status of each drive, helping to quickly identify any potential issues. This is particularly useful in multi-drive configurations, where keeping track of each device's status can be challenging without visual cues.
However, some users found the LEDs to be hard to see, especially in low-light environments or smaller cases. A few buyers mentioned that the brightness could have been improved for better visibility, particularly when monitoring multiple drives simultaneously.
Windows XP Support
55%
45%
For most modern users, the lack of Windows XP support isn't an issue, as the card works seamlessly with more recent operating systems. This makes it a great option for users on updated systems who need reliable SATA expansion for various tasks.
However, some users who still rely on Windows XP for specific purposes have expressed disappointment. The lack of compatibility with Windows XP means that these users either need to upgrade their OS or find alternative solutions, which may not be feasible for everyone.
Customer Support
78%
22%
A few buyers have found the customer support helpful and responsive, particularly when dealing with setup questions or minor troubleshooting issues. Users appreciate that the support team provides clear instructions and works to resolve issues quickly.
On the flip side, there are complaints about slow response times from customer service in some cases. A few users reported that it took longer than expected to get assistance, which can be frustrating when dealing with technical issues that need immediate attention.

Suitable for:

The GLOTRENDS SA3026-C 6-Port PCIe X4 SATA Expansion Card is ideal for users looking to expand storage on PCs, particularly those building custom systems or configuring RAID arrays. It provides a straightforward plug-and-play experience, which is highly appreciated by both novice and experienced users. PC builders needing additional drive bays for large storage pools, or those with home and small office NAS setups, will find it highly beneficial. The card is also a solid choice for users operating multiple operating systems (Windows, Linux, Mac OS), making it versatile for various environments. For example, users adding multiple hard drives for data backup or media storage will appreciate its reliability and the 277MB/s speed per port, which ensures smooth performance during file transfers.

Not suitable for:

While the GLOTRENDS SA3026-C 6-Port PCIe X4 SATA Expansion Card works well for modern systems, it is not the best choice for users still running older operating systems, such as Windows XP. The lack of XP compatibility limits its appeal for users with legacy systems. Additionally, power users who need the highest data transfer rates for demanding tasks like video editing or 3D rendering may find this card's 277MB/s bandwidth per port a bit limiting. Its suitability also drops when dealing with smaller PC cases, as the card's size may interfere with other components. Users looking for advanced configuration options or those who need more customization might also find this card too basic for their needs.

Specifications

  • Ports: The card features six downstream SATA III ports for connecting additional storage drives.
  • Interface: This device uses a PCIe X4 interface for fast data transfer and compatibility with most modern systems.
  • Data Transfer Speed: Each port supports a maximum data transfer speed of 277MB/s.
  • Upstream Speed: The total upstream bandwidth is 16GT/s, ensuring quick communication between the card and the system.
  • Power Connector: The card includes a 1:5 SATA power splitter cable for powering up to five connected drives.
  • Compatibility: It is compatible with Windows, Linux, and Mac OS, but does not support Windows XP.
  • Chipset: The card uses the ASM1166 chipset to manage communication between connected drives.
  • LED Indicators: Six built-in LED indicators display the status of each connected drive.
  • Bracket Size: The card includes both regular and low-profile brackets for flexible installation in different case sizes.
  • Form Factor: The card is designed with a PCI-Express X4 form factor for seamless installation in compatible slots.
  • Total Bandwidth: The total bandwidth available for all six ports is 8GB/s, supporting fast data access.
  • Plug-and-Play: This card supports plug-and-play installation, meaning no driver installation is required for use.
  • RAID Support: While the card does not provide built-in RAID functionality, it supports software RAID setups through the operating system.
  • Dimensions: The card has a standard PCIe X4 size, with dimensions that fit typical PC cases, including low-profile setups.
  • Power Consumption: The card consumes minimal power, relying on the system’s power supply for its operation.

FAQ

This SATA expansion card allows you to add up to six SATA drives to your computer, providing extra storage capacity for data-heavy tasks, RAID setups, or small office NAS systems.

The installation is straightforward, as the card is plug-and-play. Simply insert it into an available PCIe X4 slot on your motherboard, connect the necessary power cables, and you're ready to go—no drivers are required.

Yes, this device is compatible with Windows, Linux, and Mac OS. It's designed to work seamlessly across all these platforms, though it does not support Windows XP.

Each port on the card supports up to 277MB/s of bandwidth, making it suitable for most general storage needs and RAID configurations.

While the card itself does not offer built-in RAID functionality, it is compatible with software RAID setups, which can be configured through your system's operating system.

The card features six built-in LED indicators that show the status of each connected drive, making it easy to monitor their operation and detect potential issues.

This card includes both standard and low-profile brackets, allowing it to fit into most PC cases, including smaller or compact ones. However, be sure to check your case's available space before installing.

No, this device is plug-and-play. You do not need to install any drivers or software to get it working, as it is automatically recognized by compatible operating systems.

One limitation to note is that the GLOTRENDS SA3026-C does not support Windows XP. Additionally, older systems may have limitations with PCIe slots or power supply connections.

The card includes a 1:5 SATA power splitter cable, so you can connect up to five drives with a single power connector from your PSU.