Best SATA III RAID Controllers of 2026

Tom Law Avatar
Tom Law
Last Updated: 4 Feb 2026

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SATA III RAID Controllers are high-performance devices that allow users to connect multiple hard drives and create a RAID configuration. These controllers are designed to provide faster data transfer rates and better data protection for users who require high-speed storage solutions. They come in different configurations and can support various RAID levels, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. Whether you need to improve the performance of your server or desktop computer, or you want to create a backup system for your data, SATA III RAID Controllers can provide the necessary functionality to meet your needs.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

StarTech.com 4-Port PCIe SATA RAID Controller Cover #TOP 1
StarTech.com 4-Port PCIe SATA RAID Controller
ftb score rating icon 9.9
IO Crest 5 Port PCI-E SATA Controller Card Cover #TOP 2
IO Crest 5 Port PCI-E SATA Controller Card
ftb score rating icon 9.8
StarTech.com Dual Port PCIe SATA Controller Card Cover #TOP 3
StarTech.com Dual Port PCIe SATA Controller Card
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 6 SATA III RAID Controllers

StarTech.com 4-Port PCIe SATA RAID Controller

StarTech
PEXSAT34RH
Green
4 Port
StarTech.com 4-Port PCIe SATA RAID Controller Cover
StarTech.com 4 Port PCI Express 2.0 SATA III 6Gbps RAID Controller Card with HyperDuo SSD Tiering - PCIe SATA 3 Controller Adapter (PEXSAT34RH)

The StarTech.com SATA Controller Card allows you to easily add four SATA III 6Gbps ports to your desktop or server. This is particularly useful for connecting additional hard drives or SSDs, enhancing your storage capabilities. With its Marvell RAID controller, you can configure JBOD or RAID modes to suit your data management needs. The HyperDuo feature intelligently allocates frequently accessed files to a faster SSD, improving access speeds. Furthermore, the easy installation process ensures you can set it up without hassle.

What We Like
High-performance storage expansion
Multiple RAID configurations available
Compatible with various operating systems
Easy installation with included brackets
#TOP 2

IO Crest 5 Port PCI-E SATA Controller Card

SI-PEX40139
5 Port SATA
IO Crest 5 Port PCI-E SATA Controller Card Cover
IO Crest Internal 5 Port Non-Raid SATA III 6GB/s PCI-E x4 Controller Card for Desktop PC Support SSD and HDD with Low Profile Bracket. JMB585 Chipset

The IO Crest SATA Controller allows you to connect up to five SATA drives to any available PCI-E x4 slot, offering impressive speeds of up to 1700 MB/s. This plug-and-play device requires no additional software installation, making it incredibly user-friendly. It also supports port multipliers without relying on RAID configurations, enhancing your storage options. Moreover, it is compatible with both SATA hard drives and solid-state drives, ensuring versatility for your storage needs.

What We Like
Connects five SATA drives
Up to 1700 MB/s speed
Easy plug-and-play setup
Supports port multipliers
Compatible with HDDs and SSDs
#TOP 3

StarTech.com Dual Port PCIe SATA Controller Card

StarTech
PEXESAT322I
Silver/Black
StarTech.com Dual Port PCIe SATA Controller Card Cover
StarTech.com 2 Port PCI Express SATA 6 Gbps eSATA Controller Card - Dual Port PCIe SATA III Card - 2 Int/2 Ext - SATA III 6Gbps (PEXESAT322I)

The StarTech.com SATA Controller Card allows you to expand your storage capacity conveniently. With support for two internal or external drives, you can easily connect additional SATA or eSATA devices. The ASM1061 controller ensures fast data transfer speeds of up to 6 Gbps, enhancing your system's performance. Its wide compatibility with various SSDs and HDDs makes it a versatile choice for different setups. Additionally, the card is easy to install in various PCIe slots, ensuring a hassle-free integration into your system.

What We Like
Increases storage capacity
Fast data transfer speeds
Wide compatibility
Easy installation
#TOP 4

ACTIMED 6-Port PCIe SATA Card with Cables

ACTIMED
ACTIMED-PCIE-SATA6P-6G
PCIE SATA 6 port
ACTIMED 6-Port PCIe SATA Card with Cables Cover
ACTIMED PCI-E X1 to SATA 3.0 Controller Card, 6-Port SATA III 6Gbps Expansion Cards, Supports PCI-Express (1X 4X 8X 16X) Slot, Support SSD and HDD, for Windows/XP/MAC/Linux

The ACTIMED PCIe SATA Card allows you to unlock the full potential of your SSD by connecting multiple HDDs or SSDs at peak performance. Its plug-and-play setup makes installation straightforward, giving you quick access to an impressive 96TB of storage. The powerful chipset and advanced heatsink enhance efficiency and reliability, reducing potential errors during operation. With extensive compatibility across various systems, this card is an ideal solution for anyone looking to expand their storage options seamlessly.

What We Like
High storage capacity support
Easy plug-and-play installation
Efficient cooling system
Broad system compatibility
#TOP 5

Lazmin 2-Port SATA III Expansion Card

AK3-AT1-GL-M-X
default
Lazmin 2-Port SATA III Expansion Card Cover
Lazmin 2 Port SATA PCI Express SATA Controller Card, PCI Express to 6G SATA3.0 2-Port SATA III Expansion Controller Card Adapter

The Lazmin SATA Controller Card allows you to expand your computer's storage capabilities with ease. It features two SATA 3.0 interfaces that enable fast transfer speeds of up to 6.0Gbps, ensuring quick access to your data. This card is compatible with a range of operating systems, making it versatile for different users. Additionally, it supports both IDE and AHCI programming interfaces, providing flexibility in how you connect your devices. You can conveniently connect two mass storage devices simultaneously, enhancing your computer's performance.

What We Like
Fast transfer speeds of 6.0Gbps
Compatible with various operating systems
Supports IDE and AHCI interfaces
Connects two devices at once
#TOP 6

YABOANG PCI Express to SATA Controller Card

YABOANG
PCE2SAT-A01
YM-PCIE to 2 sata
YABOANG PCI Express to SATA Controller Card Cover
YABOANG PCI-E X1 to SATA 3.0 Controller Card, 2-Port SATA III 6Gbps Expansion Cards, Supports PCI-Express (1X 4X 8X 16X) Slot, Support SSD and HDD, for Windows10/7/8/XP/Vista/linux ASM1061

The YABOANG SATA Controller is a PCI Express to SATA III controller card that enhances your computer's connectivity. With its dual SATA interfaces, you can easily add two SATA 3.0 devices, letting you expand storage options effortlessly. It supports hot-swapping, so you can replace drives without shutting down your system. The card is compatible with a wide range of operating systems, ensuring it works with most desktop computers. Additionally, it supports high-speed data transfer rates of up to 6 Gbit/s, providing quick access to your files.

What We Like
Easy installation
High-speed data transfer
Supports multiple operating systems
Hot-swap capability
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is SATA RAID controller?

A RAID controller is a hardware device or software program used to manage hard disk drives (HDDs) or solid-state drives (SSDs) in a computer or storage array so they work as a logical unit.

2. What is a SATA III controller?

A SATA controller (serial ATA controller) is a hardware interface that connects a hard drive to a computer's motherboard and manages or directs the flow of data.

3. Do you need a RAID controller?

RAID 5 and 6 will get you significantly improved read performance. But write performance is largely dependent on the RAID controller used. For RAID 5 or 6, you will most certainly need a dedicated hardware controller. This is due to the need to calculate the parity data and write it across all the disks.

4. What are the different types of RAID controllers?

RAID controllers are available in two main configurations: as busses or controller cards and external peripheral devices. Bus-based or controller card hardware RAID is a conventional type of hardware RAID, and is most commonly used for lower-end systems.

Editor's Notes

During our sata iii raid controller research, we found 83 sata iii raid controller products and shortlisted 6 quality products. We collected and analyzed 20,784 customer reviews through our big data system to write the sata iii raid controllers list. We found that most customers choose sata iii raid controllers with an average price of £20.00.

The sata iii raid controllers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of sata iii raid controllers, including StarTech, IO Crest, ACTIMED, Lazmin, YABOANG.

Written by
Tom Law Avatar

Tom Law is an adventurer who has captured his love for nature into all of his works. A native of Newcastle, Tom has always wanted to share beautiful stories alongside the lovely sights of nature. Fortunately, he took into photography on one of his many journeys and gradually grew a passion for it. Tom Law is now an expert photographer who tours the world while creating and keeping memories of his adventures. He frequently puts his thoughts and experiences into writing.