SUPER MICRO Computer AOCS2308LL8E user manual Chapter MegaRAID Overview and Installation

Page 37

Chapter 5

MegaRAID Overview and Installation

This chapter explains provides and overview of MegaRAID Storage Manager software, and instructions on how to install (or reinstall) the software on your workstation or server for the supported operating systems, which include: Microsoft Windows, Red Hat Linux, and SUSE Linux. 5.3.1 Installing MegaRAID Storage Manager Software on Microsoft Windows.

5-1 Overview

MegaRAID Storage Manager software enables you to configure, monitor, and maintain storage configurations created under Embedded MegaRAID Software. The MegaRAID Storage Manager graphical user interface (GUI) makes it easy for you to create and manage storage configurations.

NOTE: MegaRAID Storage Manager software can be used to manage a wide range of MegaRAID controllers. Some MegaRAID Storage Manager software features are not applicable for Embedded MegaRAID Software.

Creating Storage Configurations

MegaRAID Storage Manager software enables you to easily configure the controllers, disk drives, and virtual disks on your workstation or server. The Configuration Wizard greatly simplifies the process of creating arrays and virtual disks.

You can use the Configuration Wizard’s Auto Configuration mode to automatically create the best possible configuration with the available hardware. You can use the Guided Configuration mode, which asks you a few brief questions about the configuration, and then creates it for you. Or you can use the Manual Configuration mode, which gives you complete control over all aspects of the storage configuration.

Monitoring Storage Devices

MegaRAID Storage Manager software displays the status of virtual disks, physical disks, and other storage devices on the workstation or server that you are monitoring. System errors and events are recorded in an event log file and are displayed on the screen.

Special device icons appear on the screen to notify you of disk failures and other events that require immediate attention.

Maintaining Storage Configurations

You can use MegaRAID Storage Manager software to perform system maintenance tasks such as running consistency checks on arrays that support redundancy.

5-1

Image 37
Contents AOC-USAS-L8i Add-on Card User’s Manual AOC-USAS-L8i Add-on Card User’s Manual Table of Contents MegaRAID Window and Menus MegaRAID Overview and InstallationActivating an Array Integrated Mirroring and Integrated MirroringHardware and Software Requirements Using the Cfggen IR Configuration UtilityPreface Product FeaturesAbout this Manual Operating Systems SupportedHeadquarters Contacting SuperMicroESD Safety Guidelines Chapter Safety GuidelinesGeneral Safety Guidelines AOC-USAS-L8i Add-on Card User’s Manual Front Connectors and Pin Definitions Chapter Connectors, Jumpers and IndicatorsActive LED Connector Internal SAS ConnectorsJumper Locations Front Jumper Locations and Pin DefinitionsJumper Jumper Settings LED IndicatorsLNP7 RAID Minimum Drive RequirementsAOC-USAS-L8i Add-on Card User’s Manual RAID Modes Chapter RAID Modes, Firmware and DriversGetting Firmware Downloads Downloading RAID Mode DriversFlashing Firmware Activating RAID Modes in Oprom Bios AOC-USAS-L8i Add-on Card User’s Manual Performing a Quick Configuration Chapter MegaRAID Bios Configuration UtilityConfiguring Arrays and Logical Drives Using Easy Configuration Starting the MegaRAID Bios CUMegaRAID Bios Configuration Utility Using New Configuration and View/Add Configuration MegaRAID Bios Configuration Utility Initializing Virtual Drives Creating a Global Hotspare DriveFirst Initialization Method Virtual Drives List Screen Setting the Hard Disk Write Cache and Read Ahead PoliciesRebuilding a Drive Rebuilding a DriveHot Plug Support Initialization of Array Not Complete! Press ESC Checking Data ConsistencyViewing and Changing Adapter Properties Viewing and Changing Device PropertiesViewing and Changing Virtual Drive Properties Forcing Drives Online or OfflineViewing Physical Drive Properties Clearing a Storage Configuration Configuring a Bootable Virtual DriveDeleting a Virtual Drive To clear a storage configuration, follow these steps AOC-USAS-L8i Add-on Card User’s Manual Creating Storage Configurations Chapter MegaRAID Overview and InstallationMaintaining Storage Configurations OverviewHardware and Software Requirements Installing for WindowsMegaRAID Overview and Installation Setup Type Screen Linux Error Messages Installing for LinuxExiting installation Starting MegaRAID Storage Manager Software Chapter MegaRAID Window and MenusSelect Server Window MegaRAID Window and Menus Physical/Logical View Panel MegaRAID Storage Manager WindowEvent Log Panel Properties/Operations/Graphical View PanelMenu Bar File Menu Creating a New Storage ConfigurationMode Selection Screen Understanding Virtual Disk Parameters Using Auto ConfigurationAuto Configuration Screen First Guided Configuration Screen Using Guided ConfigurationMegaRAID Window and Menus Second Guided Configuration Screen Manual Configuration First Manual Configuration Screen Using Manual Configuration RAIDDefining a Virtual Disk Screen Using Manual Configuration RAID Using Manual Configuration RAID Using Manual Configuration RAID 10. Adding a Hotspare Disk Adding or Deleting a Hotspare DisksChanging Adjustable Task Rates Deleting a Virtual Disk Changing Virtual Disk PropertiesClearing a Storage Configuration from a Controller Saving a Storage Configuration to DiskAdding a Saved Storage Configuration Introduction IM/IME Description IM and IME FeaturesLogical View Resynchronization with Concurrent Host I/O Operation Integrated RAID FirmwareMetadata Support Hot SwappingHot Spare Disk Smart SupportMedia Verification Disk Write CachingCreating IM and IME Volumes IM/IME Configuration OverviewFusion-MPT Support Adapter List Screen Creating an IM VolumeAdapter Properties Screen Select New Array Type Screen Create New Array Screen Creating a Second IM or IME Volume Creating an IME VolumeManage Array Screen Managing Hot SparesViewing Volume Properties Other Configuration TasksSynchronizing an Array Deleting an Array Activating an ArraySelecting a Boot Disk Locating Drives in a VolumeAOC-USAS-L8i Add-on Card User’s Manual Chapter Integrated Striping Is FeaturesLSI Is DescriptionIntegrated Striping Firmware Is Configuration OverviewCreating is Volumes Creating is Volumes Create New Array Screen Viewing is Volume Properties Creating a Second is VolumeLocating a Disk in a Volume Selecting a Boot Disk AOC-USAS-L8i Add-on Card User’s Manual Chapter Using the Cfggen IR Configuration Utility Cfggen Interface Description Cfggen CommandsCreate Command Common Command Line ParametersCommand Line Display Command Defaults CommandSample Output Maxtor Format Command Status Command Hotspare CommandSetoffline Command Auto Command EFI Version Only Setonline CommandCfggen controller # auto volume type size qsync noprompt Enableir Command EFI Version Only Disableir Command EFI Version OnlyList Command EFI Version Only Disclaimer 10-2

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.