Guide to Connecting SAS Drives to a Windows 10 PC: A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Process

If you have a collection of SAS drives from a SAN that you want to verify and sell, connecting them to a Windows 10 PC might seem daunting at first. However, with the right hardware and software, this task can be accomplished smoothly. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to connect SAS drives to a Windows 10 PC and provide you with additional tips to ensure the process is efficient and secure.

Requirements

SAS Controller Card: For optimal performance, you need a SAS controller card installed in your PC. Popular options include: LSI SAS 9201-16 Dell PERC H200 or H310 Adaptec ASR-6805T SAS Cables: Purchase the appropriate SAS cables to connect the drives to the controller.

Steps to Connect SAS Drives

Install the SAS Controller Card

Shut down your PC and unplug it. Open the case and locate an available PCIe slot. Insert the SAS controller card into the slot and secure it. Close the case and power on the PC.

Connect the SAS Drives

Connect the SAS cables from the controller card to the SAS drives. If using an enclosure, connect the drives to the enclosure and then connect the enclosure to your PC via USB or Thunderbolt.

Install Drivers

Once Windows boots up, it may automatically recognize the new hardware. If not, download and install the appropriate drivers for your SAS controller card from the manufacturer’s website.

Initialize the Drives

Open Disk Management, which can be accessed by right-clicking on the Start menu and selecting it. Look for the SAS drives in the list. They may appear as unallocated space or offline. Right-click on the drives to initialize them, where you can choose MBR or GPT depending on your needs.

Verify and Wipe the Drives

You can use tools like Windows Disk Management to format the drives or third-party software like DBAN or CCleaner for more secure wiping methods.

Selling the Drives

Once the drives are wiped, list them for sale. Provide details about their specifications and any warranty information if applicable.

Additional Tips

Compatibility

Ensure that your SAS controller card is compatible with your motherboard and that your power supply can handle any additional power requirements.

Software Tools

Consider using software tools like CrystalDiskInfo to check the health status of the drives.

Backup Data

If there’s any data on the drives you want to keep, ensure it’s backed up before wiping.

By following these steps, you should be able to connect your SAS drives to a Windows 10 PC effectively. If you have any specific questions about any part of the process, feel free to ask!