4 SATA SSDs on ZimaBlade or ZimaBoard 2

Insight & Feedback
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1

I would like, if I can, connect 4 SATA SSDs, 2.5" of course, in one ZimaBlade or one ZimaBoard 2 (the devices I have). Probably I need to buy some special cable since there are just two SATA ports.
My main concern is about power drawn from the power connection.
Anyone did this or knows how it can be done?
Maybe using an external power source, something I can buy on AliExpress or Amazon?

Thanks.

2

I am strongly considering doing that too but going with 2.5" 15mm enterprise SAS SSD’s paired up with a 4x drive enclosure from Icy Dock. Still a bit unclear if that can be achieved even though SSD’s consume a lot less power than typical 7200rpm large spinners.

3

Do you have the link? I found on Aliexpress a power source that can powers up 5 SATA disks. I think I will use it together with some SATA cables and a PCI-e card with SATA ports.

4

This is the one that I’m particularly interested, since it can fit enterprise grade 15mm SSD’s and you can easily convert DC to 12v SATA power: https://global.icydock.com/product_123.html

5

Rather than icydock, is there an alternative way to connect 4 ssd? In terms of power supply, there would be enough for all of them, right?

6

You could use any ASMedia chipset based SATA expansion PCIe cards available, they range from U$15 to U$100 depending on the AIB/OEM manufacturer. As for the number of SSDs, I did managed to power up 4x 7.68TB enterprise grade SSD’s without any problem with my Zimaboard 2 - note that I’ve used the 120W GaN power supply though.

7

Just wondering how you managed to power them? Does your PCIe card have SATA power output through the PCIe port, or did you make some sort of splitter for the SATA power connector on the back of the ZimaBoard 2?

8

I have used a JST 2.0 PH 4-pin to SATA power adapter: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2251832740903146.html

Where I then managed to use a 1-to-4 SATA power splitter cable: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256807313923614.html

9

Ahh okay, thanks for the info! I have been considering expanding my SSD RAID with two more drives, and I have been wondering how I would power them.

10

Your best option would probably be with an HBA and an Icy Dock enclosure. Alternatively, with an M.2 to SATA adapter but those will saturate quite easily with SSDs.