StarTech.com PCISATA4R1 User manual

Serial ATA RAID Controller

PCISATA4R1 Instruction Manual

Actual product may vary from photo

4 Port SATA RAID Controller with RAID 0, RAID 1, and RAID 0+1 Support

FCC Compliance Statement

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital

device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide

reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This

equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed

and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio

communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a

particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or

television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the

user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following

measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the

receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Use of Trademarks, Registered Trademarks, and other

Protected Names and Symbols

This manual may make reference to trademarks, registered trademarks, and other

protected names and/or symbols of third-party companies not related in any way to

StarTech.com Where they occur these references are for illustrative purposes only and

do not represent an endorsement of a product or service by StarTech.com, or an

endorsement of the product(s) to which this manual applies by the third-party company in

question. Regardless of any direct acknowledgement elsewhere in the body of this

document, StarTech.com hereby acknowledges that all trademarks, registered

trademarks, service marks, and other protected names and/or symbols contained in this

manual and related documents are the property of their respective holders.

Table of Contents

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Installing the Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Accessing the RAID Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Main Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Create RAID set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Delete RAID set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Rebuild RAID1 set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Resolve Conflicts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Low Level Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Logical Drive info . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Configuring an Array . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Deleting a RAID set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Rebuilding a RAID set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Resolving Conflicts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Low Level Formatting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Logical Drive information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Allocating Partitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

SataRaid GUI Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Devices and Information windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Smart configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Identify data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Event Viewer and Events Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

SATARaid Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Accessory Products from StarTech.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Instruction Manual

IInnttrroodduuccttiioonn

Thank you for purchasing a StarTech.com Serial ATA RAID controller card. This product

allows you to safeguard your data using multiple SATA hard drives. With support for

RAID levels 0, 1, 0+1, 5 and JBOD features, you can enjoy a great deal of flexibility to

configure a solution that meets your needs and your budget. If you are looking to add

the speed of SATA devices to your computer but aren’t ready to implement your array yet,

you can use the PCISATA4R1 as a typical four port SATA controller without using the

RAID function.

FFeeaattuurreess

• Offers up to four high-speed Serial ATA interface ports, each supporting 1st and 2nd

generation SATA data transfers up to 1.5Gbps/3Gbps

• Provides RAID 0 (Striping) to greatly increase the performance of data transfers by

simultaneously writing data to two drives

• Provides RAID 1 (Mirroring) to protect the data from a disk failure by writing identical

data on two drives

• Provides RAID 0+1 (Mirrored Striping) to provide both the performance

enhancements that come from striping and the data availability and integrity that

comes from mirroring

• Supports RAID 5 (Distributed Parity RAID) and JBOD (Just a Bunch Of Disks)

• Supports 133 MHz PCI-X with 64-bit data

• Supports four independent Serial ATA channels

• Supports SATA II First-party DMA commands for Native Command Queueing (NCQ)

• Hot-pluggable

• Includes drivers for Linux, Windows 2000, XP and 2003 Server

• 48 bits LBA offers support for HDD larger than 137GB

• Fully compliant with Serial ATA specifications

• Compliant with PCI specification, revision 2.2

• Four Pin header on board for LED connection

• Functions as a regular SATA controller when a RAID is not configured (optional)

Instruction Manual

Before You Begin

WARNING! PCI cards, like all computer equipment, can be severely damaged by static

electricity. Be sure that you are properly grounded before opening your computer case or

touching your PCI card. StarTech.com recommends that you wear an anti-static strap

when installing any computer component. If an anti-static strap is unavailable, discharge

yourself of any static electricity build-up by touching a large grounded metal surface

(such as the computer case) for several seconds. Also be careful to handle the PCI card

by its edges and not the gold connectors.

System Requirements

• A PC with an available PCI or PCI-x slot (standard or low-profile)

• OS Support: Windows 98/98SE/ME/NT4/2000/XP/2003 Server and Linux

Contents

This package should contain:

• 1 x PCISATA4R1 PCI SATA RAID controller card

• 1 x Low profile replacement bracket (used in small form factor case designs only)

• 1 x Regular size bracket

• 1 x Installation CD

• 1 x Instruction Manual

IMPORTANT NOTE:

1.Before installing PCISATA4R1, it is recommended that you consult the SATA RAID 5

manual, located on the included Drivers CD. This manual contains more information

on RAID architecture, features, installation and settings, as well as management

software for the RAID5 GUI (Graphical User Interface).

2.Following driver installation, the SATARAID5 GUI for RAID management can be

installed. Prior to installation, remove any existing SATARAID GUI (or Java SATA

RAID GUIs),to ensure that the software functions as intended.

3.RAID sets can be created and managed by either the BIOS utility setting, or the SATA

RAID 5 GUI setting in Windows.

4.The BIOS utility allows random RAID creation, however, the GUI only supports building

by sequential SATA Port 1, Port 2, Port 3

Instruction Manual

IInnssttaallllaattiioonn

This section will guide you through the installation of your PCI SATA RAID card. Please

read through the instructions carefully and complete each step in the order listed.

Please note: If you are installing the card in a low profile slot, remove the standard

size bracket and replace it with the included low profile replacement bracket before

completing these instructions. Also, please ensure that the PCI SATA RAID card is

not contacting any of the surrounding motherboard components.

Installing the Card

1. Make sure that your system is unplugged and you are grounded.

2. Remove the cover of your system (see your computer’s user manual for details, if

necessary) and gently turn your computer onto its side.

3. Locate an empty PCI or PCI-x slot (usually white in color) and remove the metal plate

that covers the corresponding rear bracket. You may need a Phillips screwdriver to

perform this step. Retain this screw! You will need it to secure the card later.

4. Gently insert the PCI card into the empty slot, making sure it is firmly seated.

5. Secure the card in place using the screw you removed in Step 3.

6. Install your SATA drive(s) according to their installation instructions.

7. Put the computer case back on.

Installing the Drivers

Windows 98/98SE/ME

1. Windows will detect that new hardware has been installed and launch the Add New

Hardware Wizard. Click Next and choose the Search for the best driver for your

device (Recommended) option. Click Next. Ensure the installation CD is inserted.

2. On the next screen select only Specify a location. Choose Browse.

3. In the file selection box, double click folders under your CD-ROM in the following

order: SATA Raid_4Port >Sil3114 >Win98_me_2000_xp_nt4.0 >driver. Click

OK.

4. The file location box under Specify a location will now contain the path to the files.

Click Next.

5. The Wizard will inform you that “Windows is now ready to install the best driver for

this device...” Click Next. The Wizard will complete the installation. Click

Finish.

6. If the Add New Hardware Wizard appears again, repeat steps 1 through 5 above to

complete the installation.

Instruction Manual

Windows 2000/XP

1. Windows will launch the Add New Hardware Wizard. Click Next.

2. Choose the Search for a suitable driver... option and click Next.

3. Check only the CD-ROM drives option. Ensure the installation CD is inserted in

the CD-ROM or other optical drive. Click Next.

4. Windows will display a message stating that “Windows has found a driver for this

device”. Click Next. Choose Yes or Continue Anyway if you are warned that the

driver file has not been digitally signed.

5. Windows will display a message that states “Windows has finished installing software

for this device”. Click Finish.

6. Windows will continue to detect and install any remaining new devices. If the Add

New Hardware Wizard is launched again, repeat steps 1 through 5 from above.

Windows NT 4.0

Consult the readme.txt file in the \SATAII 3Gbps_Raid_4Port\SiI3124\Win

XP_2000_2003_NT\Drivers folder on the installation CD for instructions on how to

configure the card for use in Windows NT 4.0.

Verifying Your Installation

Windows 98SE/ME

1. Go to Start >Settings >Control Panel.

2. Double click System.

3. Click the Hardware tab.

4. If the card does not appear with a red xor yellow exclamation point (!) next to it,

Windows has not detected a problem with the installation and the card should

function normally.

Windows 2000/XP

1. Go to Start >Settings >Control Panel.

2. Double click System.

3. Click the Hardware tab and choose Device Manager.

4. If the card does not appear with a red xor yellow exclamation point (!) next to it,

Windows has not detected a problem with the installation and the card should

function normally.

Instruction Manual

AAcccceessssiinnggtthheeRRAAIIDDUUttiilliittyy

The PCISATA4R1 comes with an integrated BIOS-level configuration utility that allows

you to configure the RAID setup, rebuild your array in the event of failure, and resolve

conflicts with the arrays you have setup. Once you have installed the card according to

the instructions and attached the SATA drives you wish to use with the card, you can

then configure the type of array you would like to use.

To enter the configuration utility, press and hold [CTRL] and [S] at the same time (or

press [F4]) when you see the following prompt:

NOTE: At least one SATA drive must be installed for you to access the RAID utility.

Once you access the utility, you will be presented with the following menu:

The Main Menu option allows you to carry out various tasks related to configuring and

maintaining your RAID. You can navigate the menu using the arrow keys on the

keyboard and select an item by pressing [Enter]. The Main Menu options are described

below:

Create RAID set: Create a RAID for the first time, or change the configuration of an

array after deleting a previous setup. For more details and an explanation of the RAID

levels available with the card, please see page 7.

Delete RAID set: Delete an existing RAID. Depending on your configuration, this may

cause data loss or cause the computer to become unbootable. It is highly recommended

that you have a complete, good backup available prior to using this option.

Instruction Manual

Help Window

Logical Drive

Properties

Main Menu

Physical Drive

Properties

Rebuild Raid1 set: If a drive has failed in a RAID1 configuration (mirroring), this option

allows you to synchronize the data between the new replacement drive and the

remaining good hard drive that contains a copy of the data.

Resolve Conflicts: If you have installed a drive that was previously used in another

array, this option will resolve any metadata conflicts that could cause your array not to

function or produce erratic behavior.

Low Level Format: This feature completely overwrites the data on the selected drive(s)

with zeros; this is essentially a comprehensive deletion tool. This will destroy all data on

the drive, including partition information. Ensure you have a complete, good backup

before using this option.

Logical Drive Info: This displays information on how the logical drive will appear to the

computer and the operating system. In all RAID configurations, the drives in your array

will appear to be a single physical drive. If you wish, you can partition the logical drive

space into multiple partitions using your operating system. For further information,

please consult the SATARaid User's Manual located on the accompanying Drivers disk.

IMPORTANT:If you want your computer to boot from your RAID, you must configure

your computer’s BIOS to use the drives connected to the PCISATA4R1 in your boot

sequence. Depending on the options available, you must set your boot sequence to

include RAID or SCSI to use the RAID as the boot drive, particularly if you have ATA

hard drives connected to the motherboard’s IDE controller. Depending on the

configuration of the computer, you may not need to make any changes to the BIOS if you

do not have any ATA hard drives installed on the onboard IDE controller. Consult your

computer or motherboard documentation for more details on including the RAID card in

your boot sequence.

Configuring an Array

When you choose Create a RAID set from the Main Menu of the RAID utility, you will be

presented with the following menu:

The

requirements

Instruction Manual

for each option/RAID level are as follows:

RAID0: Also called “disk striping,” where multiple physical drives are merged to create a

single logical volume.

Minimum number of drives:2

Maximum number of drives:4

Fault tolerance: None

Performance: Excellent; improves both read and write performance

Other considerations: None

RAID1: Also called “drive mirroring,” where a drive has an exact duplicate copy of data

maintained on another disk.

Minimum number of drives: 2 (per array)

Maximum number of drives: 2 (per array)

Fault tolerance: Excellent; complete redundancy

Performance: Good; some reduction in write performance

Other considerations: 50% reduction in useable space as the drive containing

the mirror is not available to the user; drives must be identical

RAID10:Also called RAID 0+1, this is a combination of disk striping (RAID 0) and

mirroring (RAID 1). Two disks are striped together in a single volume, with a

mirrored striped set for redundancy.

Minimum number of drives:4

Maximum number of drives:4

Fault tolerance: Excellent; complete redundancy

Performance: Good; some reduction in write performance

Other considerations: 50% reduction in useable space as the drives containing

the mirror is not available to the user; drives must be identical

SPARE DRIVE: This is used in conjunction with RAID 1 (mirroring) and allows the

computer to keep running in the event of a drive failure without user

intervention, even if it is the boot drive that has failed. Also referred to as RAID

1+S.

Minimum number of drives: 1 (requires an associated RAID 1 array)

Maximum number of drives: 1 (requires an associated RAID 1 array)

Fault tolerance: Adds seamless disaster recovery to a RAID 1 configuration

Performance: Not applicable

Other considerations: Drive is not available to the user; drive must be identical

to the models used in the associated RAID 1 array

After you select which RAID level you wish to use, you will have to select drives to

include in the array. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the configuration. Please

note: If you wish to use the RAID 1+S (“spare drive”) option, you must configure a

RAID 1 array first.

Deciding which RAID solution to implement has some important implications for the

performance of your system and the safety of your data. This is intended as a guide

only, so you should investigate the wealth of information available on the Internet or

Instruction Manual

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