Using Auto Configuration

AOC-USAS-L8i Add-on Card User’s Manual

The menu lists three configuration modes:

•Auto Configuration automatically creates an optimal configuration from the available disk drives.

•Manual Configuration gives you the greatest level of control in creating a new virtual disk.

•Guided Configuration asks you a few simple questions about what kind of configuration you want and then automatically creates it from the available disk drives.

NOTE: You can use AUTO, GUIDED, or MANUAL CONFIGURATION mode to create a RAID 0, or RAID 1 configuration. To create a RAID 10 configuration, you must

use the MANUAL CONFIGURATION mode.

Understanding Virtual Disk Parameters

This section describes the Virtual Disk Parameters that you can set when you use the Guided Configuration or Manual Configuration modes of the Configuration Wizard. You should change these parameters only if you have a specific reason for doing so. It is usually best to leave them at their default settings.

•Stripe Size: A stripe size of 64 Kbytes is supported.

•Disk Cache Policy: Select a cache setting for this disk: Unchanged, Enabled, or Disabled.

•Init State

•No Initialization: The new configuration is not initialized and the existing data on the disks is not overwritten.

•Fast Initialization: MegaRAID Storage Manager software quickly writes zeroes to the first and last 8 Mbyte regions of the new virtual disk.

•Full Initialization: A complete initialization is done on the new configuration. This may take a long time if the disks are large.

Auto Configuration is the quickest and simplest way to create a new storage configuration. When you select AUTO CONFIGURATION mode on the first CONFIGURATION WIZARD screen, the Configuration Wizard creates the best configuration possible using the available physical disks and displays them in the AUTO CONFIGURATION screen (see Figure 6-5).

6-8

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.