10Gtek 2-Port eSATA3.0 or 2-Port SATA3.0 Non-Raid Controller Card (Model: PCIX1SATA-2) User Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for the installation, operation, and maintenance of your 10Gtek 2-Port eSATA3.0 or 2-Port SATA3.0 Non-Raid Controller Card. This PCIe x1 expansion card is designed to add two eSATA III or two SATA III 6Gbps ports to your computer, enhancing storage capabilities and system performance. It supports SSD and HDD devices and is compatible with various operating systems.

2. Safety Information

• Always power off your computer and disconnect it from the power source before installing or removing any internal components.
• Wear an anti-static wrist strap to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage to the card and other computer components.
• Handle the card by its edges to avoid touching sensitive components.
• Ensure proper ventilation within your computer case to prevent overheating.
• This card does NOT support hot-swapping. Always power down your system before connecting or disconnecting drives.

3. Package Contents

• 1 x 10Gtek 2-Port eSATA3.0 or 2-Port SATA3.0 Non-Raid Controller Card
• 2 x SATA Cables
• 1 x Full-height bracket (pre-installed)
• 1 x Low-profile bracket
• Mounting Screws

Image: The 10Gtek 2-Port eSATA/SATA Controller Card shown with two blue SATA cables, illustrating the complete package contents.

4. Setup and Installation

4.1 Physical Installation

1. Power Off: Shut down your computer completely and unplug the power cord.
2. Open Case: Open your computer case to access the motherboard.
3. Select PCIe Slot: Locate an available PCIe x1, x2, x4, x8, or x16 slot on your motherboard.
4. Install Bracket (if needed): If your computer case requires a low-profile bracket, remove the pre-installed full-height bracket from the card and attach the low-profile bracket using the provided screws.
5. Insert Card: Carefully align the card with the chosen PCIe slot and press down firmly until it is securely seated.
6. Secure Card: Secure the card to the computer case with a screw.

Image: Diagram illustrating the compatibility of the PCIe card with different PCIe slot sizes (x1, x4, x8, x16).

Image: A visual guide showing the four steps for installing the PCIe card: powering off and opening the case, inserting the card, securing it with screws, and connecting SATA cables.

4.2 Jumper Pin Settings (SATA vs. eSATA)

This card allows you to select between internal SATA ports or external eSATA ports using jumper pins. Only one type of interface (SATA or eSATA) can be active at a time for each pair of ports.

Image: A detailed diagram illustrating the jumper pin configurations (JP1 and JP2) to activate either SATA1/SATA2, eSATA1/eSATA2, or a mixed combination of SATA and eSATA ports.

Refer to the diagram above to configure the jumper pins (JP1 and JP2) according to your desired port usage:

• SATA1, SATA2: For internal SATA connections.
• eSATA1, eSATA2: For external eSATA connections.
• Mixed Configuration: Specific jumper settings allow for one internal SATA and one external eSATA port.

4.3 Connecting Drives

1. SATA Drives: Use the provided SATA cables to connect your SSDs or HDDs to the internal SATA ports on the card. Ensure the cables are securely connected.
2. eSATA Drives: Use eSATA cables (not included) to connect external eSATA enclosures or drives to the external eSATA ports.
3. Power: Connect the power cables from your power supply unit to your SATA/eSATA drives.

Image: An application diagram illustrating how two SATA SSDs are connected to the PCIe to SATA adapter card using SATA 3.0 cables.

4.4 Driver Installation

The card is based on the ASMedia ASM1061 chip. In most modern operating systems (Windows 10/11, recent Linux distributions), drivers may install automatically. If not, you may need to download the latest drivers from the ASMedia website or the 10Gtek support page.

5. Operating Instructions

Once the card is physically installed and drivers are loaded, your operating system should detect the connected SATA/eSATA drives. You can then manage these drives through your operating system's disk management tools.

• Non-RAID Functionality: This card operates as a non-RAID controller, meaning it does not support RAID configurations. Each connected drive will appear as an independent storage device.
• Supported Operating Systems: Supports Windows 7/8/10/11, Windows Server 2008 R2/2012 R2/2016/2019, RHEL/CentOS 6/7/8, Ubuntu 16/18/20/21, SUSE 11/12/15, VMware ESXi 5/6/7, and Linux.

Image: A close-up view of the 10Gtek 2-Port eSATA/SATA Controller Card, highlighting its compact design and ports.

6. Maintenance

• Keep your computer's internal environment clean and free of dust to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the card.
• Regularly check for updated drivers from the ASMedia or 10Gtek website to ensure compatibility and performance.
• Avoid physical shock or excessive force when handling the card or connected cables.

7. Troubleshooting

• Card Not Detected: Ensure the card is fully seated in the PCIe slot. Try a different PCIe slot if available. Verify that the computer's BIOS/UEFI settings allow for PCIe expansion cards.
• Drives Not Detected: Check all SATA/eSATA data and power cable connections. Verify the jumper pin settings are correct for the desired port type (SATA or eSATA). Ensure drivers are correctly installed.
• Slow Performance: Confirm that you are using SATA 3.0 compatible drives and cables. Ensure the card is installed in a PCIe slot that provides sufficient bandwidth.
• System Instability: Ensure your power supply unit (PSU) provides adequate power for all connected components, including the new drives.

8. Specifications

Image: A diagram illustrating the physical dimensions of the 10Gtek 2-Port eSATA/SATA Controller Card, showing its length (82mm) and height (63mm).

9. Warranty and Support

10Gtek products are designed for reliability and performance. For warranty information, technical support, or further assistance, please refer to the official 10Gtek website or contact their customer service. Keep your purchase receipt for warranty claims.