Firmware update for NST-205C3-SG or NST-206C3-SG [#03062020]
There is a firmware update to for NST-205C3-SG or NST-206C3-SG.
This firmware update will not affect the module and can be perform with or without the NVMe module. This firmware for correcting issue with WD NVMe with 2 lanes, if you are not using 2 lanes module, you do not need this firmware.
This firmware is only for very early version of the enclosure. If you just purchase a new enlosure, you do not need this firmware.
Just plug enclosure to the System USB port and run the firmware update software. If your enclosure firmware is current, it will not change. If your enclosure firmware is not current, it will update to the latest.
Here is the link: https://www.vantecusa.com/CKEdit/files/NST-205C3_206C3_FW_UpdateUtility_v133_01_00_02_03_06.zip
For further help, please write to VantecUSA support, you can reach them at support@vantecusa.com
How to use the Write protect switch on NST-203C3-SV, NST-204C3-SV, NST-205C3-SG, NST-206C3-SG and NST-207C3-RBG [#06012020]
The write-protect switch on these enclosures is designed to block any OS-level file access.
The switch needs to be set first before it is connected to the USB port.
To change the storage to read-only, change the switch to lock position and plug the USB to your system like you normally do and you will see the OS view the files as read-only.
To change from lock to unlock or vise-versa, do a USB “safe to remove” first, unplug the device from the USB port, change the switch setting, and plug it back into your system.
It is not designed to change the mode while the storage is connected to the system. Changing mode while connected may produce an undesirable result.
Cannot install DisplayLink drivers after a NEW install Windows 10 [#05132021]
After install a NEW installation of Windows 10 OS, please do all the necesssary windows updates before installing the displaylink drivers. The displaylink drivers requires a minimum Windows 10 Anniversary Update for the drivers to install correctly.
The latest driver can be downloaded from DisplayLink website (www.displaylink.com) or our website (www.vantecusa.com).
How to remove back plate on the NST-520S3-BK [08062021]
How to Setup RGB for NST-210C3-RGB enclosure with RGB motherboards [#10142021]
Link to download software for your RGB motherboard:
To set up RGB for NST-210C3-RGB enclosure with the following manufacturer RGB motherboards, please download the software from your RGB motherboard manufacturer website for the latest update.
These software link is ONLY for RGB motherboard, If your motherboard does not have RGB capability, these software will not work.
ASUS RGB motherboard:
Steps:
1) Download software from the ASUS website link and install the software.
https://www.asus.com/campaign/aura/us/download.php
2) Download this additional software and install this software
NST-210C3-RGB_AacSetup_JMI_1.0.7.0.zip
3) Run the ASUS AURA SYNC apps software and see the NST-210C3-RGB device
ASROCK RGB motherboard:
Steps:
1) Download software from the ASROCK website link and install the software.
https://download.asrock.com/Utility/RGB/PolychromeRGB(v2.0.109).zip
2) Run the AsrPolychromeRGB software and see the NST-210C3-RGB device
MSI RGB motherboard:
Steps:
1) Download software from the Dragon Center website link and install the Dragon Center software.
https://msi.gm/Dragon-Center-UWP-download
2) Run the Dragon Center software and see and manage the NST-210C3-RGB device.
GIGABYTE motherboard:
Steps:
1) Download software from the Gigabyte RGB Fusion website link and install RGB Fusion 2.0 software.
https://www.gigabyte.com/MicroSite/512/download.html
2) Run the GIGABYTE RGB Fusion 2.0 software to see the NST-210C3-RGB device
3) Adjust the setting in the Fusion 2.0 software for color and function.
Note: When you swap USB device to different port, you need to close and restart the software again.
All other NON-RGB motherboards:
This RGB Syncable Enclosure is designed for RGB motherboards.
If you are using NON-RGB motherboards, the RGB color will work but it cannot Sync with the motherboard. You will see rolling RGB color on the enclosure.
To Sync requires the motherboard to have an RGB controller with controlling software compatible with this NST-210C3-RGB enclosure.
Pair a Bluetooth Device in Windows [#10152021]
Pair a Bluetooth device in Windows 11/10/8.1/7
You can pair all kinds of Bluetooth devices with your PC—including keyboards, mice, phones, speakers, and a whole lot more. To do this, your PC needs to have Bluetooth. Some PCs, such as laptops and tablets, have Bluetooth built-in. If your PC doesn’t, you can plug this Vantec B-190 USB Bluetooth adapter into the USB port on your PC to get it started.
Windows 11
Before you start, make sure that the Vantec B-190 USB Bluetooth adapter is plugged into a USB port on your PC.
Turn on Bluetooth
In Settings
Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices, and then turn on Bluetooth.
In quick settings
To find the quick setting for Bluetooth, select the Network icon next to the time and date on the right side of your taskbar. Select Bluetooth to turn it on. If it's turned on without any Bluetooth devices connected, it might appear as Not connected.
To pair a Bluetooth device
Your Bluetooth device and PC will usually automatically connect anytime the two devices are in the range of each other with Bluetooth turned on.
To pair a Bluetooth device using Swift Pair
Swift Pair in Windows 11 lets you quickly pair a supported Bluetooth device with your PC. If the Bluetooth device supports Swift Pair, you’ll receive a notification when it's nearby and you put it into pairing mode to make it discoverable.
Windows 10
Before you start, make sure that the Vantec B-190 USB Bluetooth adapter is plugged into a USB port on your PC.
Turn on Bluetooth
In Settings
Select Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices, and turn on Bluetooth.
In action center
Action center can be found next to the time and date on your taskbar. On the taskbar, select action center, then select Bluetooth to turn it on. If it's turned off, it might appear as Not connected.
If you don't see Bluetooth in your action center, here's how you can change it:
To pair a Bluetooth headset, speaker, or other audio devices
To pair a Bluetooth keyboard, mouse, or other devices
To pair a Bluetooth device using Swift Pair
Swift Pair in Windows 10 lets you quickly pair a supported Bluetooth device with your PC. If the Bluetooth device supports Swift Pair, you’ll receive a notification when it's nearby and you put it into pairing mode to make it discoverable.
Windows 7
Before you start, make sure that your Windows 7 PC supports Bluetooth.
Firmware Update for UGT-PC371AC USB card [#10222021]
Click on this link below to get the latest firmware.
Download and unzip to a folder and follow the install guide to step thru the firmware update. After it is updated, restart your system for the new firmware to take effect to see if it runs any better.
UGT-ST644R UEFI BIOS and utility with instructions [#11302021]
The original BIOS for this PCIe RAID controller card is for legacy mode only. If you are using UEFI BIOS, you may not be able to use CTRL-M to access this Controller card Marvell RAID BIOS.
Here is the UEFI BIOS update for this card. This will allow your system board UEFI BIOS to see and configure this card.
Download this zip file and unzip it to a folder. Click here to download
There are 2 files and 2 folders:
>> Marvell 9230 FW update Procedure
>> Marvell 9230 UEFI Utility guide
>> 9230_UEFI_utility folder
>> 9230_UEFI_2.3.0.1067 folder
1) Follow the instruction in the “Marvell 9230 FW update Procedure” to flash the firmware.
2) Follow the Marvell 9230 UEFI utility guide.
Note: The UEFI setup guide may be different depending on the manufacturer of the motherboard.
Every motherboard manufacturer uses their UEFI shell tool to manage the UEFI BIOS, this guide will serve as a guide and it may not be the same.
Common Question for NST536S3-BK / NST-540S3-BK [#02012002]
Why is my Optical Drive Enclosure not powering up?
This is one of the most common questions, this enclosure is designed to save energy, when it detects no connection to a working system, it will go into a sleep mode and not power ON. The right way to use this enclosure is to make sure all the necessary cables are connected AND your system is powered ON before turning ON the enclosure.
If you just install an Optical Drive into the DX enclosure and try powering ON without connecting to a working computer, it will stay in sleep mode and not wake up.
Will the NST-540S3-BK / NST-536S3-BK works with any 5.25” Optical Drive?
Yes, as long as the measurement fit and the optical do not consume too much power. This enclosure is designed to fit a 5.25” standard optical drive with a depth of 185mm. The power requirement of your optical drive is also important, if your optical drive (power requirement info on your optical drive label) power requirement exceeds the capability of our provided ac adapter, your optical drive may not function correctly.
Do you need any drivers to install?
No, drivers are not required, it is plug_and_play. Once installed and powered ON, the system will see the USB optical drive instantly.
What type of optical drive do I need?
This enclosure is using a SATA interface inside to connect to a SATA optical drive. It will work with any standard SATA optical drive. It will not work with an IDE optical drive.
I have an optical drive that requires more power than what a normal optical drive uses, what can I do to make it work?
You just need to get a bigger ac adapter. Any bigger ac adapter for this enclosure MUST be 12VDC, but the current (Amp) can be from 3A to 5A is fine. Another important thing is the plug size. It is using a single-pin plug. See dimension below with a picture showing the plug size.
Do I need any software for burning CD/DVD/Blu-ray with my optical drive in this enclosure?
No, you do not need any additional software, your OS built-in software will enable you to burn CD/DVD/Blu-ray, but if you prefer, you may use other 3rd parties Optical drive software to do more.
Can I connect this USB 3.0 optical drive to a USB 2.0 or faster USB 3.1/3.2 ports?
Yes, if you are using USB 2.0, it will be slower doing read, but it may not be able to write correctly due to the slow USB 2.0 speed. If you are using a faster USB 3.1/3.2 port, the enclosure will still function at USB 3.0 speed and perform correctly and reading/writing.
My new system does not have a USB Type-A port, it is all USB C, can I still use this enclosure?
Yes, you just need a USB C to USB Type-A adapter. The adapter should have a USB female Type-A on one side and a USB C male on the other end to plug into your system.
Will this enclosure fit an optical drive from my laptop?
Sorry, it will not fit. The laptop optical drive comes in 2 sizes, they are slim in design and it is only 9.5mm or 12.7mm in thickness, the interface is different, they are using a Slim SATA interface that will not fit into a standard SATA interface.
I am trying to play a Blu-ray movie disc on my Blu-ray optical drive mounted in the DX/DX2 enclosure and it is not working, why?
Blu-ray movie may be encoded using special copy protection, follow the instruction that comes with the Blu-ray disk to install the necessary software/player before you can watch the movie. This has nothing to do with our enclosure, it is the requirement of the Blu-ray optical drive and the movie producer.
I lost my USB 3.0 cable that comes with this NST-540S3-BK / NST-536S3-BK, where can I get a replacement cable?
This is using a common USB 3.0 cable with Type A on one side (to plug into your system) and type B on the other to the enclosure. Just search google (search USB 3.0 Type-A to B cable) for them or the local store should have them. This is a standard USB cable. This is how it looks. Generally, it is 3ft or shorter is good.
I lost my ac adapter for this DX / DX2 enclosure, what size of an ac adapter do I need?
The DX enclosure comes with an 12VDC, 2A ac adapter. The DX2 enclosure comes with 12VDC, 3A ac adapter. if you need to purchase a replacement ac adapter, you can just search online (google search) for them or the local store should have them too. Beside the power requirement of the ac adapter, you also need to know the plug size to fit into the DX /DX2 enclosure. Not all ac adapter are made the same, I would suggest a slightly bigger ac adapter. Any bigger ac adapter for this enclosure MUST be 12VDC, but the current (Amp) can be from 3A to 5A is fine. This is using a single pin plug.
Firmware Update for NST-211C3-RGB [#03142022]
Here is the link to firmware files.
Download, unzip to a folder and follow the steps in the provided instruction.
https://www.vantecusa.com/CKEdit/files/NST-211C3-RGB_FirmwareUpdate12912011122_RTL9210B1.zip
Common questions about DX2 Optical Drive Enclosure (NST-540S3-BK) [#03242022]
Here are some common questions about this Optical Drive Enclosure (NST-540S3-BK)
1) After installing my optical drive into the enclosure AND I DID NOT connect to a computer, can I test to see if the unit is working?
You can see your optical drive LED will briefly come ON and then OFF. You can eject the tray to open and close.
2) Once it is connected to my WORKING computer via USB, connect the power and turn ON the enclosure what will happen?
If you are using Windows 10, your system will see your optical drive as a USB storage device. See attached picture.
If you are using Windows 10, AND you have CD media in your optical drive it will show within Windows Explorer under Device and Drives as an optical drive with a media and drive letter assigned to it. On the TaskBar (bottom right) it will list as an Ejectable USB device.
3) What happens when my system goes to sleep mode?
When that happens, the optical enclosure will also put the optical drive to sleep.
4) There is no LED, how can I know if the enclosure is working?
The NST-540S3-BK serves as a USB enclosure for your optical drive, any LED activity on your optical drive will serve as the LED for the whole unit. The LED on your optical drive will function just like when your optical drive is installed inside your desktop computer via the internal SATA port. If your optical drive is working, the enclosure will too.
5) How much power is the enclosure with my optical drive using when it is in sleep mode?
We test using a Watt meter and it shows as less than 2 Watts during sleep mode with the enclosure and a common Optical drive.
6) Can I use a longer USB cable and Is this cable a USB standard cable?
It is not a good idea to use a longer cable, USB 3.0 cables are very susceptible to signal strength loss and interference. The USB cable that we provided is good, Yes, it is a standard USB 3.0 cable with Type A to Type B.
7) Do you have the Specs of the ac adapter, USB cable length, and what depth of my optical drive can I put into the unit.
Fit Optical Drive Max Depth: 7.2 inches / 185 mm; AC Adapter: Universal Switching AC adapter, 12VDC/3A, center pin positive, outer diameter: 5.45mm, inner diameter: 1.75mm, length: 10mm; USB Cable: USB 3.0 Type A to Type B cable, length 100 cm
Sometime problems may occur during first installation or use, we at VantecUSA like to help you get it working to resolve the problem. We have a team of support staff that is here to help you. Please write to us first before you return the product back to the place of purchase. We are committed to help you get the product setup and working correctly. You can reach us via email at support@vantecusa.com. We will reply to you very quickly to assist you.
Why after cloning my SATA boot device, to a new M.2 NVMe drive, it will not boot and error out? [#05272022]
Why after cloning my SATA boot device, to a new M.2 NVMe drive, it will not boot and error out?
This is a common problem with cloning when you clone dissimilar interfaces like SATA to NVMe (PCIe). The SATA drive is managed by the SATA controller and M.2 NVMe is managed by the PCIe controller. These two dissimilar controller uses different OS drivers. After you clone the SATA drive to your M.2 NVMe (PCIe), the OS on your boot drive will try to boot via the SATA on an NVMe controller. This will often give you an error or a blue screen or hang during boot.
As you can see, it is not a problem with the cloning process or the cloning device. It is how the OS interprets the boot process and boots from the right controller.
Here is how to get around this common problem.
The process is simple, all you need to do is to boot your OS into safe mode. Safe mode uses a generic boot device without any reference to SATA or NVMe, it will boot correctly and prepare the OS to boot using the NVMe (PCIe) on your next boot. Once that is done, it will remember to boot correctly for the rest of the time.
Here is the step by step to correct the problem (picture below follow the steps listed here):
1) During the initial boot, the OS will report an error message and enter into the “Automatic Repair” Process.
2) Choose “Advanced Options”
3) Choose “Troubleshoot”
4) Choose “Advanced Options”
5) Choose “Startup Settings”
6) In this Startup Settings, click restart.
7) In the Startup Settings, you will be given a selection to press a number to choose the option. Press “4” to select Enable Safe Mode. The PC will restart into Safe Mode. Your screen will show a normal Desktop with Safe Mode showing on 4 corners.
8) You may notice your system runs slower in safe mode, this is normal. Now restart your computer again. It will restart in normal mode and you are done.
VantecUSA support is available via email or phone (during normal business hours, PST – California, Mon – Fri 9 am - 6 pm).
You can reach them easily via VantecUSA.com website contact form OR email support@vantecusa.com OR phone at 510 668 0368 option 2.
UGT-ST644R latest Marvell MSU RAID tool [#092822022]
Here is the latest Marvell MSU to correct the web browser security issue.
https://www.vantecusa.com/CKEdit/files/Marvell_MSU_4_1_10_2046_windows_x86-64.zip
Windows or OS X cannot see my connected USB storage device, why? [#33405]
There are many reasons why a USB storage device will not show correctly on your System.
Here are some reason and possible solution:
1) The hard drive that you install into the USB storage is new and was not prepare to use with this System.
Solution: Use system disk tool to prepare the drive for use by initializing, partition and then formatting the drive. Once that is done, the System OS will detect the drive correctly. For help with preparing a new hard drive for use, please refer to the FAQ on "Preparing a New Hard Drive for use".
2) Your system does not have the proper drivers and requires updates.
Solution: Safely eject the USB device and Run Windows Update to ensure all drivers are up to data, before connecting USB device again.
3) The System is not seeing the USB enclosure.
Solution#1 (for self-powered enclosure): Shutdown and power OFF system, power OFF USB enclosure, disconnect the USB enclosure, turn system power back ON, log back into your system, wait for system to fully loaded all drivers, connect back the USB enclosure directly into the USB port on the computer, avoid connecting thru a hub, and finally power ON the USB enclosure.
Soultion#2 (for bus powered enclosure): Power OFF the system, disconnect the USB enclosure, power back ON system, log back into your system, wait for system to fully loaded all drivers, and now connect back the USB enclosure directly into the USB 3.0 port on the computer, avoid connecting thru a hub.
4) Under power condition and the drive is not spinning up.
Solution: If you are connected to a USB 2.0 port and the drive in the USB enclosure is not spinning up, it may be an under-powered condition. This can be cause by the drive in the enclosure drawing too much power and the one USB port is not sufficient to power the drive. Please connect to a USB 3.0 port that can provide more power to the drive in the enclosure.
5) Do not have USB 3.0 port, under power condition and the drive is not spinning.
Solution: Use a USB Y cable. If you are using a USB 2.0 enclosure, we provided a USB cable with an extra power connector (the Y) to supplement the power requirement of the device. By connecting both (Main and Supplement) USB connectors to the system, it should provide enough power for most devices to work correctly with your system. If the power requirement for the device (hard drive + enclosure) is within the specification of just one USB port, you just need to connect only the main connector.
6) System still cannot see the drive.
Solution: If the system cannot see the drive, you may want to try another computer to see if the problem is related to this computer.
7) USB DEVICE CANNOT SEE IN OS X
Solution: Try Force boot into safe mode and it will reset the USB.
Shutdown system, wait 10 seconds and restart. Right away hold down shift and will boot into safe mode.
Common Questions about UGT-ST644R RAID Controller [#05062019]
Question: What Windows OS will this card support?
Answer: This card supports Windows XP, Server 2003, Server 2008, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, and Windows 10.
Question: Is this RAID controller compatible with my motherboard?
Answer: This RAID controller is compatible with ALL motherboard that has a PCIe x4 or better (like x8 or x16) slot. If you are using an x4 slot, make sure the x4 slot you are using has x4 functionality, not x4 slot with only x1 functionality. If you are not sure use the x8 or x16 slot on your motherboard.
Question: Where can I get the latest drivers?
Answer: You can get the latest drivers from our website here. https://www.vantecusa.com/CKEdit/images/files/ugt-st644r_v1201041.zip
Question: After installing the card and attached my boot drive to the controller, will it let me boot to Windows 7 or Windows 10?
Answer: It will not. When you move your whole boot OS that was already installed and tightly linked to the motherboard chipset and now move the same drive to a different RAID chipset on our controller, it will not boot correctly. It will not boot due to the different drivers and entry in the registry of your Windows OS. If this is a fresh install it will not be a problem. You are going to run into the same problem for any brand of controller, not just ours.
Question: The RAID will not hold the RAID configuration why?
Answer: RAID configuration is located on all the RAIDed drive and will always hold the configuration unless the customer replaces all the drives. This is actually a good feature, if the configuration is on the controller and the controller is bad, it will break the RAID. If the RAID configuration is on the drive, it will retain the RAID configuration on any one of the RAIDed drives.
Question: I install this UGT-ST644R and it boots to a blank black screen. I have tried to boot without any drive connected and different PCIe slot and getting the same result. If I remove the card, the system would boot into Windows 10. Is the card defective or it not compatible with MB or a setting that I missed?
Answer: This card is compatible with ALL motherboard that has a PCIe x4 or better slot. Please follow the steps below to make sure the card is working correctly first.
1) Ground yourself to clear any static electricity.
2) Turn the system power totally off and system power to the wall outlet is unplug for a whole minute.
2) Select a PCIe x4 or x8 or x16 slot that is not used. If it is an x4 slot, make sure it is a TRUE x4, not an x4 slot with the only x1 signal, check with your motherboard manufacturer.
3) Install the UGT-ST644R, check the slot connector is fully inserted into the slot and secure the card.
4) Plug back the power cord to the system and power the system back on.
5) Boot up and install the necessary drivers, ALWAYS download the latest drivers from vantecusa.com website product page.
6) Once the system sees the controller correctly, you may shut down and attach your drive(s).
7) If after attached your drive and the system did not boot correctly, please check with your motherboard BIOS setting to set which drive you are booting from or boot sequence.
Question: After I attach the card and reboot, will it allow me to enter BIOS before card takes over from BIOS?
Answer: Yes, this is the function of the motherboard BIOS to give you time to go into the BIOS to pick the Right Boot device.
Question: What speeds will I get considering my PCI-e x16 slot is Version 1.0?
Answer: Assuming you are using UGT-ST644R. Since your motherboard is using PCIe v1, the maximum is 250MB/s per lane theoretical speed (not actual speed)
Question: Do you have 4 or 8 lane card which will work better? If not then do you have 2 lane card.
Answer: Not 4 or 8 lanes card, the UGT-ST644R is a 2 lanes card and MUST use a TRUE PCIe x4 slot or x8 or x16. It will not work with a PCIe x4 slot with only PCIe x1 (1 lane) pins set.
Question: Will I be able to just use your controller card without using any RAID etc.?
Answer: Yes, you can use this as an individual drive SATA controller or as a RAID controller.
Question: Is the controller see the drives as SATA III drives?
Answer: Yes, it can if your SATA drive and cable is rated SATA III speed.
Question: Can I connect 6 devices, 4 internal and 2 external?
Answer: No, this is a 6 port, 4 channel card. It gives you the flexibility to use any of the 6 port but only 4 devices active at a time.
You can have 4 internal or 3 internal/1 external or 2 internal/2 external combinations. The 6 ports give you the flexibility to switch, there is only 4 channel.
Question: I recently bought your product with (2) identical Western Digital SATA 3 2TB drives. I set up the drives in a RAID-1 configuration on SATA 1 and SATA 2. The RAID works fine but the BIOS screen shows one drive using 6 Gb/s and the other using 1.5 Gb/s. Why is one drive slower than the other? Shouldn’t both show 6 Gb/s?
Answer: Check the SATA data cable connection on both sides for the one that shows running at SATA I speed. Or replace the cable to see if correct the problem.
How about switching the drive from SATA 1 and SATA 2. If it goes with the drive, you have a bad drive that is not running at the right speed.
Question: Is Windows Server 2012 R2 supported? Are the available drivers compatible with the particular OS?
Answer: Yes, it is supported on server 2012 R2 and there are compatible drivers. Here is the link. http://www.vantecusa.com/system/application/media/data_file/ugt-st644r_v1201041.zip unzip and there is only one setup, it will detect the OS and install.
Question: Would you recommend this card for RAID 10 configuration or is there a better solution for your company?
Answer: Yes, it is fine running RAID 10.
Question: The RAID method used by this card is software or hardware?
Answer: It is a hardware RAID.
Question: My motherboard is PCI-Express 2.0 specification compliant, will I still get SATA Gen III 6Gb/s speeds connection on all 4 channels of the UGT-ST644R even when it is connected to the motherboard through the PCI-Express X4 slot?
Answer: Yes, you will still be getting 6Gb/s speed on the drive.
Question: What is the actual chipset used by the UGT-ST644R card? it says Marvell BIOS, but is there a specific Marvel chip model number?
Answer: It is using Marvell 88SE9230 chipset
Question: Is the UGT-ST644R card Hackintosh compatible?
Answer: Sorry, we have not tested and do not know.
Question: Can I skip the "hardware" RAID via the UGT-ST644R card's BIOS, and set up a Windows 7 software RAID from within the Windows OS?
Answer: Yes, you can use this card as an individual SATA controller and use it as an OS software RAID, but make sure you understand that software RAID is very much slower than hardware RAID and software RAID uses more of your CPU resources and will slow down your system.
Question: Is it possible, in a single UGT-ST644R card, to create 2 separate RAID 0 or RAID 1 virtual drive? For example, can I plug 2 Hard Drives to SATA channel 1 and 2 to create a RAID 0 virtual drive, and plus 2 additional drives to SATA channel 3 & 4 to create another RAID 1 or RAID 0 virtual drive?
Answer: Yes, you can have multiple RAID on the same card. Like what you mention. Or individual drives.
Question: I set the jumpers to allow the eSATA external connections, but the card can only see 4 of the five drives.
Answer: It will only see 4 drives at a time due to the Port Multiplier (PM) function limit. The eSATA port on the UGT-ST644R only supports 1 eSATA port with PM function. That is the limitation of the Marvell chipset on this card. If you need to have 2 eSATA port with PM, you can use two cards. This has nothing to do with firmware. It is the chipset design, sorry.
Question: I purchased the Vantec UGT-ST644R to work with 2 6TB HGST drives but when the drives (or a single drive) is hooked up the card won’t POST/Boot — if I use a 4TB drive it works fine. The drives are also fine as I can use them on the motherboard directly. Is there a problem using 6TB drives?
Answer: Check the boot sequence and boot priority in the BIOS. There is not a problem using any capacity drive, it can be 4TB, 5TB, 6TB, 8TB, 10TB or 12TB as of this writing. No firmware is required.
Question: Can you use 3 identical Hard Drives for Raid 1 with the Vantec 4-Channel 6-Port SATA 6Gb/s PCIe RAID Host Card with HyperDuo Technology (UGT-ST644R)
Answer: No, RAID 1 is mirror mode and only 2 drive is allowed. There is 4 port, using 2 for the mirror, you still have the other two and you can get a software to back up what is on the mirror to it and that will make the 3rd mirror.
Question: Do you know of any reason why my Gigabyte 880GAUD3H motherboard would not detect the UGT-ST644R?
Answer: Try a different slot, some time is resources allocation issue caused by your motherboard, look into your motherboard BIOS setting to correct the problem.
Question: Does it have native drivers for Windows 10 OS?
Answer: Yes, Windows 10 native drivers support ONLY AHCI mode, it do not support RAID. To use Windows 10 with RAID function, you need to use the provided RAID drivers mention in question 3 above.
Question: Can you use two NexStar HX4 (NST-640SU3-BK) With one 4 Channel 6-Port SATA 6Gbps PCIe RAID Host Card (UGT-ST644R) for a total of 8 external Port Multiplier SATA hard drives? I do not need RAID.
Answer: Sorry, no, the UGT-ST644R card will support only one PM set of 4 drives. You need 2 cards. If you are using 2 cards, make sure you have 2 PCIe x4 or better slot.