X10SL7-F-O

I plan on using 8 of the sata ports with freeNAS. I do not plan on using any VM's, and from what I've gathered on this forum, it will work best if I flash the card into IT mode. Is this true or can I get away with not flashing into IT mode?

Also, if I flash it (or dont flash it) are there better or worse sata ports on the card to pick to use?

Thanks!