ESXI compatible pci-e SATA card

[mike23]

I recently built a new server based on a SuperMicro X10SAT, but I can't pass through either of the onboard SATA controllers to VMs. Anyone have any recommendations for a fast, cheap controller that will handle two SATA3 SSDs and pass through to VMs in ESXI 5.5?

 

[cptbjorn]

Why not just use rdm with the onboard ports?

 

[mike23]

I considered it, but I assumed it would be much slower. Plus, I think if I use rdm, then trim won't be used correctly from within the VM

 

[cptbjorn]

I've only done RDM with HDDs and not SSD but as far as I've been able to tell, the disk is presented the same to the VM as plugging in to a physical server - it shows up in device manager/dmesg the same as a physical disk, you can query SMART data etc and performance is the same at least for spinning disks. I'd at least try that before spending money on a controller...