Promise Technology S150 user manual Drive Issues, RAID 0 Stripe, RAID 1 Mirror

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FastTrak S150 TX4 User Manual

Q:How does the FastTrak S150 TX4 RAID controller provide storage and/or data protection with their arrays?

A:FastTrak S150 TX4 implements three different types of RAID levels as follows:

RAID 0 (Stripe)

For capacity – The FastTrak S150 TX4 array will be as big as the smallest HDD in the array times however many HDDs are in the array. Any larger HDDs will simply be truncated. The truncated space on the bigger HDDs will then be unusable.

For sustained data transfers – Using FastTrak S150 TX4, a RAID 0 array consisting of two HDDs will transfer at about twice the speed of the slowest HDD in the array. A RAID 0 array consisting of four HDDs will transfer at about three times the speed of the slowest HDD in the array.

RAID 1 (Mirror)

For capacity – The FastTrak S150 TX4 array will be as big as the smallest HDD in the array. The larger HDD will simply be truncated. The truncated space on the bigger HDD will then be unusable.

For sustained data transfers – The FastTrak S150 TX4 array will write data at the rate of the slowest HDD in the array. The FastTrak S150 TX4 array will read data at twice the rate of the slowest HDD in the array.

Drive Issues

Q:Can I add a drive to a FastTrak S150 TX4 RAID array via hot-swap and dynamically adjust the array size/configuration?

A:No. The FastTrak S150 TX4 system does not support dynamically adjustable RAID size/configurations.

Q: Do the HDDs on the FastTrak S150 TX4 have to be the same size?

A:The HDDs that you use with the FastTrak S150 TX4 do not have to be the same size. If the sizes differ, the FastTrak S150 TX4 will truncate the bigger HDD so the drives match. The resulting difference in HDD space is unusable, so avoid using HDDs of significantly different capacities.

Q:I already have an array on an older FastTrak controller. Can I move that array to my new FastTrak S150 TX4 controller?

A:Yes. All FastTrak controllers read the arrays the same way and can be moved from one controller to another.

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Contents Fasttrak S150 TX4 Copyright TrademarksImportant Data Protection Information Contents Page Introduction FastTrak S150 TX4Promise Array Management Utility PAM Key Features and Benefits Features BenefitsCompatibility Installation Unpacking Your FastTrak CardInstalling the FastTrak Card Insert the FastTrak card into an open PCI slotInstalling the Hard Drives FastTrak S150 TX4 card Creating Your Disk Array Creating a Performance Array Creating a Security Array with New Drives Creating a Security Array with an Existing Data Drive Seagate S380023AS Creating a Security Array with Quick Initialization Using FastBuild Configuration Utility Viewing FastTrak S150 TX4 Bios ScreenNavigating the FastBuild Setup Menu Using the Main MenuCreating Arrays Automatically Optimize Array forPerformance Security Security and PerformanceUsing a Hot Spare Drive Creating Multiple ArraysViewing Drive Assignments Manually Creating an Array Selecting Array Type Selecting Stripe BlockGigabyte Boundary Assigning Drives to ArrayCreating a Mirrored Array Using New Drives Creating a Striped ArrayAdding Fault Tolerance to an Existing Drive Drive Model Capacity MB Creating a Hot Spare Drive for Mirrored Arrays How FastTrak S150 TX4 Orders ArraysHow FastTrak S150 TX4 Saves Array Information Deleting an Array Array Stripe 160048 Rebuilding a Mirrored Array 80024 Page Installing Software Drivers Procedure NumberNew Windows XP Installation Existing Windows XP Installation Confirming Windows XP Driver InstallationNew Windows 2000 Installation Existing Windows 2000 Installation Confirming Windows 2000 Driver InstallationNew Windows ME Installation Existing Windows ME Installation Confirming Windows ME Driver InstallationNew Windows NT4.0 Installation Existing Windows NT4.0 Installation Removing Driver from Windows NT4.0New Windows 98 Installation Existing Windows 98 Installation Confirming Windows 98 Driver InstallationPage Disk Array Concepts About Adapter BiosFastBuild Auto Menu Setup About FastTrak S150 TX4Disk Array Description RAID Level Performance Fault Capacity No. Tolerance DrivesDisk Array Terms Disk Array MemberAbout RAID Levels Striping RAIDMirroring RAID Data Mirror Disk DrivesStriping / Mirroring RAID 0+1 About Dual Data Redundancy Failed Array Event Drives Status Why?Configuring PCI IRQ resources Troubleshooting & TipsMotherboard Issues Intermittent data problemsSystem Cmos Issues Using an Onboard IDE Card with FastTrak S150 TX4Drive cannot be formed into an array Drive-Related ErrorsCritical Array Status Error Reported during Boot System Cmos displays C or D drive failure during StartupUnable to Partition or Format Array Cannot Rebuild Mirrored RAID 1 Array Operating System-Related Issues Promise Windows driver does not appear in Device ManagerTroubleshooting & Tips Performance Tips Optimize Array for PerformanceChange Setting of PCI Bus Utilization Page Appendix a Frequently Asked Questions Pre-InstallationDrive Issues RAID 0 StripeRAID 1 Mirror Appendix a FAQs Installation Issues Post-InstallationUSA Tech Support Center Technical Support ServicesAppendix B Technical Support European Tech SupportPacific Rim Sales Office China OfficeLimited Warranty Disclaimer of other warrantiesYour Responsibilities Returning Product for Repair

S150 specifications

Promise Technology S150 is an advanced storage solution designed to meet the data management needs of modern businesses. This high-performance storage appliance is characterized by its scalability, reliability, and user-friendly management interface, making it an optimal choice for organizations looking to optimize their data storage strategies.

One of the standout features of the S150 is its support for multiple RAID levels, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10. This ensures that businesses can tailor their storage configurations based on their specific redundancy and performance requirements. The S150's software-defined storage capabilities provide flexibility in allocating resources, enabling organizations to manage their data efficiently and improve overall performance.

In terms of connectivity, the Promise S150 offers a range of options, including high-speed 10GbE and Fibre Channel interfaces. These technologies ensure that data transfer rates remain high, minimizing latency and allowing seamless access to applications and data. Additionally, the device supports hot-swappable drives, allowing users to replace or upgrade components without downtime, further enhancing productivity.

The management of the S150 is simplified through the Promise Management software, which provides intuitive controls and monitoring capabilities. Users can easily configure storage settings, monitor performance metrics, and maintain data integrity using the built-in tools. The software's graphical user interface makes it straightforward even for those without extensive IT experience, reducing the administrative burden on staff.

Another notable characteristic of the S150 is its robust security features. It provides options for data encryption both at rest and in transit, ensuring that sensitive information is protected against unauthorized access. Advanced user authentication protocols further enhance security, making it suitable for enterprises dealing with confidential data.

The S150 is also designed with energy efficiency in mind. Its intelligent cooling system and power management features help to reduce overall energy consumption, which is crucial for organizations looking to lower operational costs and reduce their environmental impact.

In summary, Promise Technology S150 stands out in the storage market due to its combination of scalability, versatility, and robust management features. With its support for multiple RAID configurations, high-speed connectivity options, intuitive management software, and strong security protocols, the S150 is well-equipped to support the data demands of businesses today and into the future. It represents a reliable and efficient solution for those looking to enhance their data storage infrastructure.