DollaTek PCI-E 1X GEN3 to SATA 3.0 2-Port 6G Expansion Card

1. Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for the installation, operation, and maintenance of your DollaTek PCI-E 1X GEN3 to SATA 3.0 2-Port 6G Expansion Card. This card is designed to add two high-speed SATA 3.0 ports to your computer, enabling the connection of additional storage devices such as hard drives and SSDs. Please read this manual thoroughly before installation to ensure proper setup and optimal performance.

2. Product Overview

The DollaTek PCI-E 1X GEN3 to SATA 3.0 Expansion Card is a reliable solution for expanding your system's storage capabilities. It features a PCI-E 3.0 GEN3 chipset (JMICRON + JMB582) for stable and efficient data transfer.

Key Features:

• Adds two SATA 3.0 (6Gbps) ports to your system.
• Compatible with PCI-E 1X, 4X, 8X, and 16X slots.
• Supports IDE/AHCI programming interface.
• Plug-and-play installation for supported operating systems.
• Supports Hot Plugging for convenient device management.
• Low power consumption and stable transmission.
• Includes a low-profile bracket for small form factor cases.

Package Contents:

• 1 x DollaTek PCI-E 1X GEN3 to SATA 3.0 Expansion Card
• 1 x Low-Profile Metal Bracket

Figure 2.1: DollaTek PCI-E SATA Expansion Card with standard and low-profile bracket.

Figure 2.2: Top view of the expansion card, highlighting the heatsink and two SATA 3.0 ports.

3. Specifications

Figure 3.1: Approximate dimensions of the expansion card.

4. Setup and Installation

Before proceeding with the installation, ensure your computer is powered off and unplugged from the wall outlet. It is recommended to wear an anti-static wrist strap to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage to your components.

4.1 System Requirements:

• Available PCI-E 1X, 4X, 8X, or 16X slot on your motherboard.
• Operating System: Windows 7/8/10 or Linux.
• Compatible PC or Laptop with an available PCI-E slot.

Figure 4.1: The expansion card is compatible with various PCI Express slot sizes (1X, 4X, 8X, 16X).

4.2 Physical Installation:

1. Prepare your computer: Power off your computer and unplug all cables. Open the computer case.
2. Locate an available PCI-E slot: Identify an empty PCI-E slot on your motherboard. The card is compatible with 1X, 4X, 8X, or 16X slots.
3. Remove the slot cover: Carefully remove the metal slot cover corresponding to the chosen PCI-E slot on your computer case.
4. Install the expansion card: Align the gold contacts of the DollaTek expansion card with the PCI-E slot. Gently but firmly press the card into the slot until it is fully seated. Ensure the bracket is properly aligned with the case opening.
5. Secure the card: Use a screw to secure the card's bracket to the computer case. If you are using a small form factor case, you may need to replace the pre-installed standard bracket with the included low-profile bracket. To do this, unscrew the two small screws holding the standard bracket, remove it, attach the low-profile bracket, and secure it with the same screws.
6. Close the case: Once the card is securely installed, close your computer case and reconnect all cables.

4.3 Driver Installation:

This expansion card is designed for plug-and-play functionality with Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Linux operating systems. In most cases, the operating system will automatically detect and install the necessary drivers upon startup. No manual driver installation is typically required.

If the card is not recognized, ensure it is properly seated in the PCI-E slot. For advanced troubleshooting or specific Linux distributions, you may need to consult your operating system's documentation for PCI-E device recognition.

5. Operating Instructions

After successful installation and driver recognition, your DollaTek PCI-E SATA Expansion Card is ready for use.

5.1 Connecting SATA Devices:

1. Power on your computer: Start your computer normally.
2. Connect SATA data cables: Use standard SATA data cables (not included) to connect your SATA hard drives or SSDs to the available SATA ports on the expansion card. The card provides two SATA 3.0 ports.
3. Connect SATA power cables: Ensure your SATA devices are also connected to a power supply unit (PSU) via SATA power cables.
4. Device recognition: Your operating system should detect the newly connected SATA devices. You may need to initialize and format new drives through Disk Management (Windows) or a similar utility (Linux) before they can be used.

The card supports Hot Plugging, meaning you can connect or disconnect SATA devices while the system is running, provided the operating system supports this feature and the device is safely ejected first.

6. Maintenance

The DollaTek PCI-E SATA Expansion Card requires minimal maintenance. Follow these general guidelines to ensure its longevity and optimal performance:

• Keep it clean: Periodically clean the interior of your computer case to prevent dust buildup on the card and other components. Use compressed air to gently remove dust.
• Ensure proper airflow: Make sure your computer case has adequate ventilation to prevent overheating, which can affect the performance and lifespan of electronic components.
• Handle with care: When handling the card, avoid touching the gold contacts or electronic components directly. Always hold it by the edges.

7. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your DollaTek PCI-E SATA Expansion Card, refer to the following troubleshooting steps:

• Card not detected:
  • Ensure the card is fully seated in the PCI-E slot.
  • Try installing the card in a different PCI-E slot if available.
  • Verify that your motherboard's BIOS/UEFI settings are configured to recognize PCI-E devices.
• SATA devices not recognized:
  • Check that the SATA data cables are securely connected to both the expansion card and the SATA device.
  • Ensure the SATA devices are receiving power from the PSU.
  • For new drives, ensure they are initialized and formatted in your operating system's Disk Management utility.
  • Test the SATA devices with a different SATA port or controller if possible to rule out device failure.
• Slow data transfer speeds:
  • Ensure you are using SATA 3.0 compatible cables and devices to achieve 6Gbps speeds.
  • Verify that the PCI-E slot is operating at its full speed (e.g., not downgraded due to other installed components).
  • Check for updated drivers for your motherboard's PCI-E controller or the expansion card (though typically not needed for this plug-and-play device).

If these steps do not resolve your issue, please contact DollaTek customer support for further assistance.

8. Warranty and Support

DollaTek products are designed for reliability and performance. For specific warranty information, please refer to the documentation included with your purchase or visit the official DollaTek website.

For technical support or inquiries, please contact your retailer or DollaTek customer service. When contacting support, please have your product model number (CP070353) and a detailed description of your issue ready.