Storage controllers allow communication between the CPU and a disk drive, be it a hard drive, a floppy disk drive or a compact disc drive. Storage controllers currently are integrated into disk drives, but in the past required a separately controlled interface. Types of storage controllers include parallel ATA (AT attachment) and serial ATA for the non-intensive or home use, and faster disks that require SCSI (small computer systems interface), fiber channel, or serial attached SCSI. There are also disk array storage controllers that allow RAID (redundant array of independent disks) setups, which is a technology that allows the use of two or more hard drives together to allow for increased reliability and volume size.

Storage controllers are peripheral component interconnect (PCI) cards that add functionality to servers and personal computers. If you’re looking to add a disk drive or a tape back-up drive, storage controllers may be good options for you. Some of the types of storage controllers include:

1. Parallel ATA and serial ATA controllers, which are older and on the low end of productivity

2. SCSI and serial-attached SCSI which are on the higher end of productivity

3. RAID arrays, which can employ either of the above storage controllers

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase parallel ATA and serial ATA storage controllers

Parallel ATA (IDE) drives have a maximum cable length of 18 inches, making them unsuitable for any task that would require an external device. These have largely been replaced by serial ATAs; however, some older computers may not support anything else. The serial ATA is faster with longer yet thinner cables, and allows 'hot swapping,' which enables you to plug and unplug devices without having to power down the computer.

I recommend: PROVANTAGE provides an SATA/IDE-to-USB adapter that allows you to connect new devices to your computer without having to open your case so that you can test peripherals. They also have a compatible storage controllers list. You can also find storage controllers for these drives at PC Mall.

Find SCSI and serial-attached SCSI storage controllers

SCSI is a fast interface which manifests itself in both parallel SCSI and serial SCSI. Currently, parallel SCSI is an older technology that remains faster, clocking in at around four times the speed of SATA. However, projected changes will set it as an extremely fast transfer protocol. This type of controller is backwards compatible with SATA drives, and can be used with older technology easily.

I recommend: Super Warehouse has several SCSI controller cards. PC Connection, a storage controllers provider, also has several available. You can also find wholesale storage controllers for SCSI devices from Sillworks.com.

Choose RAID storage controllers

RAID controllers can work with both SCSI and ATA storage controllers and allow for cost-effective solutions for large data storage needs. There are also many storage controllers available for RAID setups that allow dual platform use of both SCSI and ATA.

I recommend: You can find RAID controllers and storage controllers information at Wiredzone.com. If you’re a professional on the go, Addonics Technology has some options for laptops that require RAID connectivity and work through the ExpressCard slot.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Depending on the age of your machine and your level of use, it is important to make sure that your storage controller is compatible with your peripherals or internal devices, whether they are SCSI or ATA.