Smallest mobo with 6 sata ports?

[Airbozo]

I was hoping to use a microITX, but all the ones I have seen only have 2 sata ports max. I may still be able to use one of the microITX boards with an expansion slot and an add on controller card.

A pico board would be great, but I doubt I will find one with 6 sata ports or an add on card.

Show me what you know of and if we (my company) use it in our customers build, you get a finders fee (a computer related part like a drive or raid card. Some thing worthwhile for sure).

I am actually looking for _possibly_ 2 different boards.

Both must be able to run linux specifically Ubuntu.
One of them must be able to support 6 sata ports, preferably in a raid 10 config.
Onboard graphics.
usb ports.
network port.
preferably Intel based, but if the right board is AMD based then we may be able to convince the custy to use it.

Once we identify the mobo(s), the next step will be a case. It will more than likely be a custom built box that does not resemble a normal computer (the customer request).

Thanks!

[Eclecticos]

You may want to consider a sata hub.

http://img377.imageshack.us/img377/8775/5portsatamultipliersilipl0.jpg

[crenn]

According to this:
http://drivers.viaarena.com/rnotes/VIA%20Falcon%20IDE%20Storage%20Device%20Driver%20P ackage%20External%20Release%20Note.htm

The VIA EPIA-P700, PX series, EPIA-M700 and maybe the EK series support port multipliers. So this might work:
http://www.addonics.com/products/host_controller/ad5sapm.asp

[Mach]

Partially matches your requirements:

http://www.logicsupply.com/products/nas780015lst (190mm x 143mm)

The VIA NAS 7800 is a highly specialized mainboard that is designed for data storage applications. The NAS 7800-15LST features 8 SATA (3Gb/sec.) connectors, support for up to 6 USB 2.0 ports, VGA, 2 RS-232 COM ports, and GPIO. And, the TPM module provides additional system reliability and security. The NAS 7800-15LST is an energy-efficient data storage platform alternative to the larger, power-consuming corporate solutions. The board also matches the standard optical drive form factor (190 mm x 143 mm), making it convenient to integrate into a wide range of enclosures.

Linux/Unbuntu? - Both must be able to run linux specifically Ubuntu.
8 sata/raid 10? - One of them must be able to support 6 sata ports, preferably in a raid 10 config.
VGA Unichrome - Onboard graphics.
2x usb - usb ports.
2x gigabit - network port.
VIA based - preferably Intel based, but if the right board is AMD based then we may be able to convince the custy to use it.

[Luke122]

Hmm.. http://ipoxusa.com/main/item.asp?itemid=74 would work, except that it's only 4 SATA ports. They apparently DID have one with 8 ports, but that was in 2007, so I'm looking on their site to see if any of these have more than 4 sata ports.

Is socket 478 ok? Probably not..

[Luke122]

Two more for you, both with 4 ports.

AMD CPU required: http://mini-itx.com/store/?c=34#jnc62k
Epia 1ghz embedded cpu: http://mini-itx.com/store/?c=2#epiasn

[nevermind1534]

I have a sata 2 port/IDE PCI card

[Airbozo]

Thanks for the links guys, I am working with my product engineer to further refine the customers requirements. We should know more next week, unfortunately I am going to be on vacation, back on the 6th...

I will post more when I find anything out.

[Luke122]

If I win the prize, donate it to DaveW's kid camp. :D

[widefault]

http://www.commell.com.tw/Product/SBC/LV-678.HTM

Expensive($400), but 6 ports and the capability of using a 45nm quad core.

I've got one of these in my future projects parts pile.

http://www.commell.com.tw/Product/SBC/LV-676.HTM

Price is the same, wish I had waited for the 678.

[Luke122]

Well, I think that's your winner Airbozo! Widefault comes through!

[Airbozo]

Thanks everyone, I have forwarded this info to the customer.

It looks like the one widefault found is going to be the one they choose. Hopefully they should get back to us asap. They wanted to have a prototype in house by the first week of September, but they are moving pretty slow.

We also contacted a local shop to make some custom chassis for us. Once we know the specs of the parts they want inside we can head over and have the CAD guys make a custom box. We are shooting for a silent pc style so that means no fans. OK maybe one fan but that is it.

More soon...