Introduction, What is RAID?, RAID0 stripping

Tiger i7320 S5350	Chapter 4: SATA/RAID Setup (for SATA RAID model)

Chapter 4: SATA/RAID Setup

4.1 Introduction

This section describes the SATA/RAID function of your Tiger i7320 and how to configure your system. This section also covers Intel Application Accelerator RAID Edition software and its configuration.

Your new Tyan Tiger i7320 S5350 features an integrated serial ATA controller which supports two serial ports running at 1.5 Gb/s with support for RAID 0 or 1.

4.2 What is RAID?

RAID (Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks) was originally conceived at the University of California at Berkeley in 1987 by David A. Patterson, Garth Gibson, and Randy H. Katz. The focus of their research was to improve storage subsystem performance and reliability. As a result of their findings, they proposed five levels of RAID (RAID 0 – RAID 5) to provide a balance of performance and data protection. Each RAID level is designed for speed, data protection, or a combination of both. Patterson, Gibson, and Katz published their findings in a document titled “A Case for Redundant Arrays of Inexpensive Disks (RAID)”. This document is archived at the University of California, Berkeley.

RAID was designed to improve the way computers manage and access mass storage of data by providing an independent and redundant system of disks. Instead of writing to one Single Large Expensive Disk (SLED), RAID writes to multiple independent disks.

4.2.1 RAID0 (stripping)

RAID 0 exploits the read/write capabilities of two or more hard drives working in unison to maximize the storage performance of a computer system. Data in a RAID 0 array is arranged into blocks that are interleaved between disks so that reads and writes can be performed in parallel.

This technique, known as “striping”, is the fastest of all of the RAID levels, especially for reading and writing large sequential files.

4.2.2 RAID 1 (mirroring)

A RAID 1 array contains two hard drives and data is mirrored between the two drives in real time. Since all of the data is duplicated, the operating system treats the usable space of a RAID 1 array as the maximum size of one hard drive in the array. For example, two 40 GB hard drives in a RAID 1 array will appear as a single 40 GB hard drive to the operating system.

The primary benefit of RAID 1 mirroring is that it provides good data reliability in the case of a single disk failure. When one disk drive fails, all data is immediately available on the other without any impact to the data integrity. In the case of a disk failure, the computer system will remain fully operational to ensure maximum productivity. The performance of a RAID 1 array is greater than that of a single drive since data can be read from multiple disks simultaneously.

4-1

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S5350, I7320 specifications

The Tyan Computer I7320 S5350 is a high-performance server motherboard designed for enterprise-level applications. Ideal for data centers and demanding computing environments, the I7320 S5350 delivers a blend of reliability, scalability, and advanced technology that caters to intensive processing needs.

One of the standout features of the I7320 S5350 is its support for Intel's Xeon processors. The motherboard offers dual socket configurations, allowing for the installation of two Xeon processors. This capability significantly enhances computational performance, enabling organizations to handle heavy workloads, run complex simulations, and manage multiple virtual machines seamlessly.

The I7320 S5350 is built with a robust chipset that supports the latest memory technologies. It accommodates DDR4 RAM, providing increased bandwidth and improved energy efficiency compared to previous generations. The motherboard supports up to 1TB of memory across eight DIMM slots, ensuring ample capacity for high-demand applications.

Storage flexibility is another key characteristic of the I7320 S5350. The motherboard features multiple SATA interfaces for traditional hard drives and SSDs, as well as support for NVMe devices through M.2 slots. This allows for fast data access and transfer speeds, which are essential for applications requiring quick responses and reduced latency.

In terms of connectivity, the Tyan I7320 S5350 offers a range of options to meet diverse networking needs. It includes several PCIe slots for add-on cards, ensuring that users can expand their systems with additional networking, storage, or graphic capabilities. Advanced networking support is provided through integrated dual-port 10GbE LAN, allowing for high-speed network connectivity and efficient data transfers.

The motherboard also incorporates advanced management features with support for remote management technologies. This is vital for IT administrators who need to monitor and manage systems in real-time, providing a layer of accessibility that enhances operational efficiency.

In summary, the Tyan Computer I7320 S5350 stands out as a powerful and versatile motherboard designed for demanding data center applications. With its dual Xeon processor support, extensive memory capability, diverse storage options, and robust connectivity, it’s a comprehensive solution for businesses looking to enhance their computing infrastructure and meet the challenges of modern workloads. Whether for virtualization, database management, or high-performance computing, the I7320 S5350 is a reliable choice for enterprises aiming for optimal performance and scalability.