4 Bay SATA to eSATA 3.5” HDD RAID Storage System RSV-S4-X

User Manual

 

 

 

 

 

 

2 INTRODUCTION TO RAID

2.1 RAID VOLUMES

RAID technology allows one or more disks to be combined into a logical volume which provides greater performance and/or protection than standard disk drives. These volumes, also known as RAID Groups, appear like regular disk drives to the operating system and can be partitioned, formatted and used just like any other normal disk. The complexity of the RAID is hidden within the driver.

There are several different methods of combining disks, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Each method is referred to as a RAID “level” such as RAID 1, or RAID 5. The details of each level are summarized below and detailed in the following sections.

 

RAID LEVEL

 

CONFIGURED

 

ADVANTAGES

 

DISADVANTAGES

 

 

 

AS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0

 

Striped

 

Excellent performance, low cost

 

No data protection

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

Mirrored

 

Excellent data protection

 

High cost

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10

 

Mirrored Striped

 

High performance, excellent

 

High cost.

 

 

data protection.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5

 

Parity RAID

 

Good data protection, good

 

Some performance

 

 

value

 

degradation for writes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Combination

Concatenated

 

Good performance, low cost,

 

No data protection

 

 

large Volume size

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Single Drive /

Contiguous

Same as single disk

 

Same as single disk

 

Segment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.2SEGMENTING DISKS

For increased versatility, the SATARAID5 software allows individual disks to be divided into smaller segments which can then be combined into different volumes. As an example, if a user has one set of data that must be protected at all costs, another set of data which should be protected at reasonable cost and another set that doesn’t need any protection at all; the user can divide three disks into sections as shown in Figure 1. The yellow regions define the

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Rosewill RSV-S4-X user manual Introduction to RAID, Segmenting Disks

RSV-S4-X specifications

The Rosewill RSV-S4-X is a robust and versatile rackmount server chassis designed for various computing needs, particularly in enterprise environments. It serves as a reliable solution for those looking for durability, performance, and expandability in their server infrastructure.

One of the standout features of the RSV-S4-X is its capacity to accommodate up to four 3.5-inch hard drives, making it suitable for applications requiring significant storage space. The chassis supports hot-swappable drives, allowing users to replace hard drives without powering down the server, thus minimizing downtime and enhancing overall efficiency.

The design of the RSV-S4-X is focused on effective airflow management. It is equipped with multiple cooling fans, which ensure that the internal components maintain optimal operating temperatures. This is crucial for preventing overheating during prolonged usage, thus extending the lifespan of the hardware within.

This chassis is constructed with high-quality steel, providing excellent durability and a sturdy build that can withstand the rigors of a data center environment. The front panel features two USB 3.0 ports, enabling fast and convenient data transfer and connection to various peripherals. Additionally, it includes an integrated power supply, simplifying the installation process and ensuring that users can get their systems up and running quickly.

Another significant characteristic of the Rosewill RSV-S4-X is its flexibility in terms of hardware compatibility. It supports standard ATX motherboards, along with various other form factors, which allows users to customize their server configurations according to their specific needs. This adaptability extends to the installation of multiple expansion cards, providing options for enhanced networking and graphics capabilities.

The chassis also comes with pre-installed standoffs for easy motherboard installation, a feature that simplifies setup for both novice and experienced builders. With a weight of approximately 22 pounds, it strikes a balance between robustness and manageability.

In summary, the Rosewill RSV-S4-X is an excellent choice for users seeking an efficient, flexible, and reliable rackmount server chassis. Its ability to deliver strong performance, combined with thoughtful design elements, makes it a standout option in the competitive server hardware market. Whether for a small business or a larger enterprise, the RSV-S4-X is well-equipped to handle demanding workloads with ease.