08-01-2019, 02:55 AM
(This post was last modified: 08-01-2019, 03:39 AM by stuartiannaylor.)
(08-01-2019, 02:36 AM)ZeblodS Wrote: I have looked for a PCI-E x4 to 4x PCI-E x1, or even PCI-E x4 to 2x PCI-E x2, I think I looked about everywhere for several days. Indeed, those kind of cards just don't exist at all...
I have also looked for used PCI-E SATA controller cards, but all models with 12 to 16 SATA ports are RAID cards with a BIOS (and RAM and battery) that won't work for sure here.
Except for this specific IOCrest SI-PEX40097 which looks like a dumb SATA controller, but seems to be too recent to be on the used market yet.
I guess, I'll end up buying one from Amazon, it's a bit more expensive but at least if it doesn't work properly I can still send it back, no question asked.
Anyway, the build won't start before the ROCKPro64 arrives, which seem to be within 30 to 45 days according to Pine64 store shipping policy.
That leaves me plenty of time for planning the build on itself.
Right now, I'm thinking going the DIY way with my 3D printer for most part of the casing.
Using something like twelve ORICO 1106SS and printing independent stackable enclosures to put these in, open on the back for airflow.
Stacking the hard drives 2 wide and 6 high (about 300mm wide, 260mm high and 200mm deep), and putting a regular ATX power supply on top on one side and the ROCKPro64 and SATA controller on the other side (an extra 100mm high maybe) on a specific printed enclosure too.
That would allow me to use six 120mm fans on the back to cool the entire system (2 fans wide, and 3 fans high, which represent 360mm high). I could put the connections on the sides with recessed connectors, or not I don't know yet.
And I'll need to put together some kind of front panel with deported buttons to start/stop the power supply, the ROCKPro64, etc. EasyEDA and JLCPCB are most likely my friends on this one.
I'll try to 3D model a few ideas with Fusion360 in the next few days/weeks to see how those ideas could be implemented.
I saw one of your cards on aliexpress I think for £160 Arrgh but cheaper than I have seen em.
Going cheap I go for these https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hard-drive-Ca...4116108483
I use these sata power chains https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1Pc-4pin-ide-...4339041268
Use the 12v 60watt I have for the rock and splitters ,these are tiny bucks and go inline with the 12v on the 5 way chain. https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32742116421.html
With that amount of disks without the math but guestimate you prob better off with 90watt, maybe more. 2amp short write? 3.5"? totally forgot could be well out.
Run those off splitters via https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/10-Female-5-5...2275763712
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DC-Verteiler-...3757922865
This was the cheapest I noticed https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32546377052.html
But you do always have the USB option if for media?
"PCI-E x4 to 4x PCI-E x1, or even PCI-E x4 to 2x PCI-E x2"
They do exist but problem is they are end of line server components offered now as speciality components at high cost.
PCIe 2.0 with 4/5 now coming mainstream and PCs generally always having another slot means they are going to stay that way.
I really do feel just like the automotive industry who are using PCIe 2.0 as cheap proven high speed datbus.
The silicon is out there the design is simple and once more Pine!!! we need a PCIex4 to 4x PCIex1 packet switch!!!
If you look all this stuff is no EOL http://www.ioi.com.tw/products/prodcat_a...ostID=2095
The silicon is nothing and all is needed is a card and with so many ArmSoc SBC looking like PCIe2.0 x4 could be a common form for some time.
http://amfeltec.com/products/flexible-x4...-splitter/ shelf hoarders trying to get a buck from those who are stuck.