Retrofit SATA III - how it works
In this article we show you how to retrofit SATA III. Regardless of whether you want to retrofit an SSD or just need more fast SATA connections - both will be possible with this guide.
Retrofit via PCIe card
It is best to upgrade SATA III with a PCI Express controller card. Not only do you have full speed, you can also decide how many SATA ports you want.
- Open your PC and see if there is a free PCIe slot on your mainboard. Orient yourself to the picture on the right. It does not matter whether it is PCIe x1 or x16, because x1 also fits in x16.
- If there is a free slot, order a PCIe-SATA III controller card.
- As soon as your card has arrived, you can insert it. To do this, disconnect your computer from the power and switch off the power supply. Then open the computer.
- Now insert the PCIe-SATA III card into your free PCIe slot and fasten it with screws to the slot cover.
- Now you can connect your hard drives or other SATA III devices to the card.
- Close your PC and reconnect it to the power.
- After switching on, your computer should automatically recognize the card and provide the SATA ports.
In the next practical tip, we will explain what PCI-Express is and what it can do.