SAS Controller's SATA ports convert back to SAS?

Builds [LGA1155] NAS Killer 4.0
1

I built a NAS based on NK4.1
Mobo: S5512WGM2NR-B-CGN TYAN S5512 LGA1155
SAS HDDs

I understand that there is an onboard LSI SAS2008 controller, I have flashed this to IT Mode. My case can handle 10 HDD, but I want to add a DAS in future (like the 8 bay mini DAS guide).

-Can the 8 SATA ports from the LSI SAS controller be connected (via reverse break-out cables) to a SAS Expander? Or does the SATA connector remove some functionality?
-Alternatively, would it make more sense to just add another LSI SAS controller (external) and feed cables into the DAS (Like the guide mentions)?

Thanks in advance for your help

2

Yeah, you can use a reverse breakout to connect to a backplane/expander. Just make sure it’s a reverse cable, the pinout on the SATA end of a reverse cable is mirrored.