> Question is:
> So what is the optimal way to get the ssd power into the system?
We're just using a standard AT-style PSU from Antec,
in a chassis that holds 2 x PSUs i.e. Cooler Master HAF-932.
If you shop around, there are several manufacturers
who build cases with room for 2 power supplies,
e.g. Lian-Li, Silverstone, Antec, Cooler Master, NZXT.
Those older AT-style PSUs have their own power switch,
so it's very easy to leave the SSD subsystem powered UP,
even if the motherboard is shutdown.
> pci 8x is like 2000mb/sec if i understand correct.
Not quite: "PCI" is the old standard of 32 bits @ 33 MHz
= ~133 MB/second (8 bits per byte).
It stands for Peripheral Component Interconnect.
"PCI-E" is the correct abbreviation for PCI-Express --
the latest standard.
Each PCI-Express "lane" supports 2.5 GHz in each direction:
at 10 bits per byte (serial protocol) that's 250 MB /sec
in each direction. With serial protocols, there is one
"start bit" and one "stop bit" in addition to 8 data bits,
for a total of 10 bits per logical byte (or charter).
So, yes, an x8 lane PCI-Express slot should support READs at
250 MB/sec. x 8 = 2,000 MB/second (theoretical bandwidth,
no overhead anywhere). Call it MAX HEADROOM
MRFS