Controllers Information
RAID Controllers
If you do not intend to put your hard drives in a RAID array, then you do not need a RAID controller.
Dedicated hardware RAID controllers offer a much better solution for RAID than simple onboard controllers. These have better driver compatibility, work in both Windows and Linux, and support a wider range of array types. They also have dedicated processors, so that no extra load is put on the main CPU. For a high-end RAID solution where performance and stability are important, one of these is a must.
To help you select which one is best for you, match the type of connection available on your motherboard and the number of drives you need. Alternatively, talk to one of our customer service representatives and we can make sure you get the best product for your needs.
For more info on RAID arrays, check out our hardware article.
Other controllers
If you need additional ports above and beyond what your motherboard and case provide, we offer additional controller cards for most common port types.
| Silverstone USB 3.0 PCI-Express card | StarTech 2 Port Type A&C USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbit/s Card | StarTech Type C USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 20Gbit/s Card | ModDIY Internal USB 3.0 Hub Controller 4 Port | Blackmagic Design DeckLink Mini Monitor 4K | Elgato 4K60 Pro MK.2 HDMI PCI-E Capture Card | Elgato Cam Link Pro Multi Camera PCI-E Capture Card | Blackmagic Design DeckLink Studio 4K 6G-SDI | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Card Specifications | ||||||||
| Manufacturer | Silverstone | Startech | Startech | MODDIY | Blackmagic | Elgato | Elgato | Blackmagic |
| Type of Ports | USB 3.0 | USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbit/s) | USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbit/s) | |||||
| Number of Ports | 3 | 2 | 1 | 8 | 2 | 2 | 4 | |
| Port Location(s) | 2 external ports, 1 internal header | External | External | Internal headers | External | External | ||
| Slot Style | PCI-Express x1 | PCI-Express x4 | PCI-Express x4 | PCI-Express x4 | PCI-Express x4 | PCI-Express x4 | PCI-Express x4 | |
| Form Factor | Low/Full Height | Low/Full Height | Low/Full Height | Low/Full Height | Low/Full Height | Full Height | Full Height | |
| Controller Chip | ||||||||
| Brand | NEC | Asmedia | Asmedia | Genesys Logic | ||||
| Model | uPD720201 | ASM3142 | ASM3242 | GL3520 | ||||
| Dimensions | ||||||||
| Net Weight | 0.175 kg (0.4 lbs) | 0.175 kg (0.4 lbs) | 0.175 kg (0.4 lbs) | 0.291 kg (0.6 lbs) | 0.102 kg (0.2 lbs) | 0.146 kg (0.3 lbs) | 0.331 kg (0.7 lbs) | |
| Height | 10.16 mm (0.4 in) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | |||||
| Width | 44.45 mm (1.7 in) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | |||||
| Depth | 95.25 mm (3.7 in) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 122 mm (4.8 in) |