GA-X58A-UD7 - using 2 storage controllers

[Plutotype]

Hi,
This is my first post here, so at first I would like to say hello to moderators and users.

I plan to purchase the GA-X58A-UD7 board and would like to put following cards into the PCIe slots:

-          ATI 5670 Sapphire ultimate ( PCIe 16x )
-          OCZ Revodrive ( PCIe 8x/16x )
-          DELL Perc H700 Raid controller ( PCIe 8x ) – controlling the SATA drives

The OCZ told me, that the Revodrive should be fine with UD7, but using another PCIe storage controller could be problematic.
The OS will be on the Revodrive and of course it will be installed first. Adding another storage controller in to the PCIe slot could cause some issues, but maybe there is some tech-background to give me some more confidence.

Thanks for any information.
Pluto




 

[Dark Mantis]

Hi and welcome to the forum. I run the same board and have found it an excellent choice. I can't see any problem with what you are suggesting. As you say if more than one storage controller/device was used I think you would run into bandwidth problems especially if you wanted to run a multi GPU setup too.
The only real downside to this board in my opinion is the Marvell 9128 SATA3 controller not being up to the job, apart from that a good buy.

It might be worth putting in a ticket to GGTS just to check on the technical specs involved.

[1Day]

The total 32-lane PCI connector (x32) can support throughput up to 16 GB/s aggregate.
A 16-lane PCI connector (x16) can support throughput up to 8 GB/s aggregate.
A 8-lane PCI connector (x8) can support throughput up to 4 GB/s aggregate.

So theoretically there will be more than enough 'bandwidth' for all three to function perfectly. I will be able to confirm this a little later when I get a chance to test it out. Or have someone test it for me. But it is early morning on that side of the world now and they are not at their desks.

[Plutotype]

Hi 1Day and Dark Mantis,

Thanks for your quick feedback, which seems to be positive. I wont run a SLI GPU setup, so the bandwith should be ok I think.
There will be a RAID 10 field consisting of 4 x 2TB Sata drives ( handled by the H700 raid controller )

Additionally I would like to know, if using this setup of PCIe storage controllers, the SATA ports on the onboard SATA controllers will be then still accessible - especially the Southbridge.
Thanks again

Pluto

[Dark Mantis]

I can't see any reason why not. You are talking about the Intel ICH10R Storage Controller for the SATA2 ports, yes? I would think the new controller will just show up as an additional controller along with the other three. Maybe a little BIOS tweaking but that is all.