Expanding SATA connections with SAS HBA for FreeNAS

[Pajani]

I recently built a FreeNAS from an old computer, and I want to buy some new hdd to set up either a RAIDZ or RAIDZ2, but I realised I only have 2 empty SATA ports to use. So now I'm looking into expanding my SATA connections in the computer and found you need some sort of SAS HBA. I know some SAS HBA offer RAID compatibility which will need to crossedflashed if it's meant to be used solely as an HBA.

I read that the LSI 9211-8I or LSI 9240-8I could be used, but can't find any reasonably priced near me as I live in sweden. So I'm looking into more local options, but I'm unsure as to what difference in prices will offer in realiability or non-needed RAID abilities. I found this: https://nextron.se/main.php3?PI=info&PNO=29225 . Will this be good enough? or will I have to spend more, OR wait until I travel to the US, this summer to get an LSI 92xx-8I

EDIT: While further researching, all SAS HBA cards I have found uses PCIe x8 lanes and I don't think I have this on my motherboard, does that mean adding more SATA connections won't work at all?

I'm using:

Z97-A ASUS motherboard.
Intel i5-4690k

If the motherboard I'm using won't work, what's a good, compatible motherboard that would work well for running FreeNAS?

 

[nikalai2]

Hello,

You can find Dell H200 / H310 at good prices on ebay (use "European Union filter). You must flash the IT mode firmware for Freenas.

 

[Pajani]

Okay, just an extra question. Are there any reliability issues with any legitimately produced SAS HBA? Or is it the specific models Dell H200 / H310, LSI 92XX, Fujitsu D2607 or whatever I find specifically recommended to look out for?