I need some computer building geek help, please.

[shilala]

Originally Posted by 357

While this works in theory, it doesn't always work out as expected in practice. I've had issues with adding SATA or PATA ports with a PCI card. Very inconsistent. You're better off getting a board with more SATA ports on-board if you can.

I tried adding a couple pata ports via pci a good number of years ago. It was damn near impossible, then it flaked out constantly.
I've just decided to go with 4 hdd's and use the one sata port for the burner, leaving one open (my chosen board has 6 total). I think I carted a pci-e sata controller card to give it a shot, but I'm not expecting big things. This way I have a backup strategy waiting.
I can go up to a bigger, much more gawdy asus gamer board that has 7 sata ports, but it's lacking in other areas.

I'm continuing to tweak the config, then I'm gonna go shopping and see if I can find some deals.