SUPER MICRO Computer AOCS2308LL8E instruction

Chapter 4 MegaRAID BIOS Configuration Utility

The LSI™ MegaRAID® BIOS Configuration Utility (CU) is used to configure disk arrays and virtual drives and to do other configuration tasks in a pre-boot environment. This utility is primarily used for SR Mode configurations for the AOC-USAS-L8i Add-on Card.

4-1 Performing a Quick Configuration

The below procedure for quickly configuring arrays and logical drives with the MegaRAID BIOS CU is intended for users that are already familiar with configuration utilities and tools. Refer to Section 4-2for detailed configuration instructions. To ensure the best performance, select the optimal RAID level for the logical drive you create.

WARNING: It is recommended that you do not use both SAS and SATA drives in the same array. Using different drive interfaces in this way could cause unpredictable behavior, decreased performance, an increased error count and decreased Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF).

Use the following procedure for quickly configuring arrays and logical drives using the MegaRAID BIOS CU:

1.Boot the system.

2.Start the MegaRAID BIOS CU by pressing CTRL+M.

3.Select CONFIGURE from the MANAGEMENT menu.

4.Select a configuration method from the CONFIGURATION menu. You may choose from either EASY CONFIGURATION, NEW CONFIGURATION or VIEW/ADD CONFIGURATION.

5.Create arrays using the available physical drives.

6.Define the logical drive(s) using the space in the arrays.

7.Initialize the new logical drive(s).

4-2 Configuring Arrays and Logical Drives

This section provides instructions for configuring arrays and logical drives with the MegaRAID BIOS CU.

It is recommended that you use drives with the same capacity when you create a storage configurations. If you use drives with different capacities in one array, the CU limits each drive to the capacity of the smallest drive.

The number of physical drives in a specific array determines the possible RAID levels that you can implement with the array. See Section 2-4: "RAID Minimum Drive Requirements" on page 2-5for further details.

4-1

AOCS2308LL8E specifications

Supermicro, a renowned leader in high-performance computing solutions, has introduced the AOC-S2308LL8E, a powerful SAS (Serial Attached SCSI) controller card designed to enhance storage performance and capability in enterprise systems. This cutting-edge controller provides exceptional functionality for organizations looking to handle large volumes of data efficiently.

The AOC-S2308LL8E features the LSI SAS2308 dual-core processor, which supports 12Gb/s data transfer rates, ensuring swift and reliable connections to storage devices. With its eight internal SAS/SATA ports, this controller card facilitates the connection of multiple drives, allowing for increased data throughput and redundancy, which are essential for critical applications such as database management and virtualization.

One of the standout characteristics of the AOC-S2308LL8E is its compatibility with both SAS and SATA drives. This flexibility allows organizations to choose between high-performance SAS drives or more economical SATA drives based on their specific storage requirements. The controller supports a wide array of RAID levels, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60, providing users with the ability to select configurations that enhance data integrity and availability.

Additionally, the card is designed with an advanced cache memory that optimizes data access times, further enhancing overall performance. The AOC-S2308LL8E also features a low-profile form factor, making it suitable for various server chassis configurations, even in space-constrained environments.

In terms of connectivity, the AOC-S2308LL8E is equipped with dual mini-SAS connectors, enabling seamless connectivity to multiple storage devices. With support for a high number of simultaneous I/O operations, this controller card is well-suited for tasks requiring substantial bandwidth, like large-scale data processing and analytics.

Moreover, Supermicro's AOC-S2308LL8E comes with robust management and monitoring features, ensuring that users can maintain optimal performance levels while responding proactively to any potential issues. Built-in support for advanced error recovery techniques helps guarantee data integrity, a feature critical in any enterprise setting.

To summarize, the Supermicro AOC-S2308LL8E is an ideal solution for businesses looking to enhance their storage capabilities. With its combination of high data transfer rates, RAID support, compatibility with various storage drive types, and advanced management features, the AOC-S2308LL8E stands out as a reliable choice for maximizing performance in demanding environments. Organizations investing in this controller will benefit from its efficiency, reliability, and scalability, crucial for future-proofing their IT infrastructure.