Installing the Controller and Disk Drives

Chapter 5: Installing the Controller and Disk Drives ● 48

3As shown at right, insert the RAID controller into the expansion slot and press down gently but firmly until it clicks into place. When installed properly, the RAID controller should appear level with the expansion slot.

4 Secure the bracket in the expansion slot, using the retention device (for instance, a screw or lever) supplied with your computer.

5 Connect your computer’s disk activity LED cable to the LED connector on the controller (marked on the figures in About Your RAID Controller on page 17).

Ensure that the positive lead of the LED cable (usually a red wire or a wire marked with a red stripe) is attached to pin 1.

6Optional—Connect your RAID controller’s I2C connector (not available on all models) to an I2C connector on an internal backplane or enclosure, using an I2C cable. For more connection details, see About Your RAID Controller on page 17.

7Prepare and install your internal disk drives, following the instructions in Connecting Disk Drives to Your Controllers on page 50.

If you are not installing internal disk drives, close your computer cabinet, reattach the power cord, then continue with Connecting External Devices on page 53.

Installing a RAID Controller with Zero Maintenance Cache Protection

Note: On Adaptec Series 5Z and Series 6Q controllers, the flash module daughterboard is pre- installed. On Adaptec controllers with optional Zero Maintenance Cache Protection (see page 19), the daughterboard is user installed. The supercapacitor module (used by all controllers with Zero Maintenance Cache Protection) is never pre-installed. Refer to the flyer included in the kit for details about installing the flash module daughterboard on the controller, as needed.

Warning: (i) Do NOT remove or insert a fully charged supercapacitor module. Always discharge the unit first to avoid damage to the controller or flash backup module. The factory ships with discharged units, so they are safe to install when you receive them. To ensure that an installed unit is discharged, switch your system OFF, then wait 5 minutes. After a dirty shutdown, wait 3 minutes after backup is complete, then remove the unit.

(ii)Do not attempt to connect a Battery Backup Module (see page 19) to an Adaptec RAID controller with Zero Maintenance Cache Protection. The battery can overheat and may even explode!

1 Turn off your computer and disconnect the power cord. Open the cabinet, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

2 Select an available PCIe expansion slot that’s compatible with your RAID controller and remove the slot cover, as shown at right. (PCIe bus compatibility is marked to the controller figures in About Your RAID Controller on page 17.)

! Caution: Touch a grounded metal object before handling the RAID controller.

2268300R specifications

The Adaptec 2268300R is a robust and versatile RAID controller designed for enterprise-level storage needs. Ideal for environments demanding high availability, performance, and data protection, this controller provides organizations with the ability to manage large volumes of data while ensuring reliability.

One of the standout features of the Adaptec 2268300R is its support for various RAID levels, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60. This flexibility allows users to choose the configuration that best suits their performance and redundancy requirements. By combining multiple drives into a single logical unit, the controller enhances data throughput and ensures data safety through redundancy.

The controller is built on a SATA and SAS architecture, allowing it to connect directly to both SATA and SAS drives. This broad compatibility is crucial for businesses looking to leverage existing hardware while also scaling their storage infrastructure. The Adaptec 2268300R is equipped with a powerful onboard processor that significantly boosts performance, driving down latency and increasing transaction speeds across connected drives.

Additionally, the Adaptec 2268300R features cache memory with a non-volatile option that enhances data integrity during unexpected power outages. This feature is essential for mission-critical applications where data loss can have severe repercussions. Moreover, the controller supports advanced caching algorithms, optimizing write and read performance to meet the demands of modern applications.

The controller also integrates seamlessly with Adaptec's management suite, providing users with a graphical interface to monitor and manage their storage solutions effectively. The web-based management tool allows administrators to configure RAID settings, monitor disk health, and perform troubleshooting, all from a centralized platform.

Security is another critical aspect of the Adaptec 2268300R. The controller comes equipped with encryption capabilities, enabling users to secure sensitive data at rest—protecting information from unauthorized access. Furthermore, with features like hot-spare drive support and automatic rebuilds, the controller assures continued operation even in the event of a disk failure.

In conclusion, the Adaptec 2268300R is a powerful RAID controller that delivers significant advantages in performance, flexibility, and reliability. With its support for multiple RAID levels, SAS and SATA compatibility, robust caching, and advanced management tools, it stands out as an ideal solution for businesses needing to safeguard and manage their vast data assets efficiently. Whether for enhancing data security or optimizing storage performance, the Adaptec 2268300R remains a sound choice in today’s data-driven landscape.