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+--- Thread: SAS drives for nas mistake (/showthread.php?tid=11075)
SAS drives for nas mistake - Enquiries - 08-13-2024
Made a mistake bought 4 8tb wd DC hc320 drives for 200. Thought was sata. Are they just a mistake or is there a solution. Was hoping to use for plex server but now think $$ down the drain.
RE: SAS drives for nas mistake - ed - 08-16-2024
It sounds like you accidentally bought 4 WD DC HC320 SAS drives instead of SATA for your Plex server, and you're worried they might be a lost cause. Fortunately, there’s a solution, so your investment isn't wasted.
Option 1: Use a SAS HBA Card
SAS HBA Card: You can use a SAS Host Bus Adapter (HBA) to connect your SAS drives to your NAS or server. A common choice is the LSI 9207-8i or a similar model, which can handle SAS drives and connect them to your system via a PCIe slot. These cards aren’t too expensive and can be a quick fix.
Option 2: Use a SAS-to-SATA Adapter
SAS-to-SATA Adapter: Another option is to use SAS-to-SATA adapters. These adapters can allow your SAS drives to connect to SATA ports. However, performance may be limited, and compatibility can vary, so this is less ideal than using an HBA.
Option 3: Resell and Replace
Resell the SAS Drives: If setting up a SAS-compatible system feels like more trouble than it’s worth, you could consider reselling the SAS drives. WD DC HC320 drives are high-quality enterprise-grade drives, so you might be able to recoup a good portion of your investment. Then, you could use that money to purchase SATA drives specifically for your Plex server.
Option 4: Build a Separate NAS for SAS
Dedicated SAS NAS: If you’re up for a challenge, you could build a separate NAS system using these SAS drives. This would require an HBA card and a compatible NAS or server setup, but it could be a fun project and give you additional storage for your home network.