iXSystems Mini-XL+ - Can It Be Extended?

[SoonerLater]

The Mini-XL+ (with SuperMicro A2SDi-H-TF motherboard) has eight (8) 3.5" drive bays. Is it possible to connect a separate, self-powered, drive enclosure to host additional drives? It has a PCIe 3.0 slot. I wonder if it's possible to install a SATA controller (not a hardware RAID controller) in that PCIe slot and then cable from it to a separate, self-powered, enclosure and thereby run more than eight (8) 3.5" drives.

Then again, even if it's possible, is it worthwhile?

 

[danb35]

I wonder if it's possible to install a SATA controller (not a hardware RAID controller) in that PCIe slot and then cable from it to a separate, self-powered, enclosure and thereby run more than eight (8) 3.5" drives.

Substitute "SATA controller" with "SAS HBA", and yes, it's entirely possible.