Promise Technology SX8300, SX4300 Concepts, About FastTrak, Introduction to RAID, Adapter Bios

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Chapter 5: Concepts

About FastTrak, below

Introduction to RAID, below

Choosing a RAID Level (page 41)

Other Logical Drive Features (page 43)

About FastTrak

FastTrak SX4300 and SX8300 are high performance RAID Controller cards that feature concurrent data channel operation and onboard BIOS. The channels on the FastTrak card support concurrent operation that allows for overlapped I/O under multi-tasking operating systems and sharing the workload between multiple drives.

Adapter BIOS

The FastTrak card contains a BIOS code that extends the standard disk service routine provided through Int13. The BIOS is bootable for DOS and other operating systems that rely on the system BIOS for drive operation. When the FastTrak BIOS appears during bootup, press Ctrl-F to enter the FastBuild setup to select from menu settings.

Introduction to RAID

RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) allows multiple hard drives to be combined together into a logical drive. The operating system sees the logical drive as a single storage device, and treats it as such. The RAID software and/or controller handle all of the individual drives on its own. The benefits of a RAID can include:

Higher data transfer rates for increased server performance

Increased overall storage capacity for a single drive designation (such as, C, D, E, etc.)

Data redundancy/fault tolerance for ensuring continuous system operation in the event of a hard drive failure

Different types of logical drives use different organizational models and have varying benefits. Also see Choosing RAID Level on page 41. The following outline breaks down the properties for each type of RAID logical drive:

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Contents SX4300, SX8300 Trademarks CopyrightImportant data protection information RecommendationsMay cause undesired operation Radio Frequency Interference StatementPage Contents Support Troubleshooting & TipsAbout This Manual IntroductionHot-Swapping Product OverviewXOR Acceleration WebPAM Management Software Page SX8300 InstallationSX4300 Installing the FastTrak Card Jbod Installing the Disk DrivesLED Pins Create a Logical Drive Page Installation Page FastBuild Utility FastTrak BiosMain Menu View Drive Assignments Create a Logical Drive One Logical Drive Two Logical Drives FastBuild Utility View Drive Assignments, Split Disk Drives Delete Logical Drive Controller Configuration System Resources Logical Drive ProblemsHalt On Error Page RAID 0 and Jbod Page Installing Software Drivers Windows Server Install Driver During New OS InstallationInstall Driver in an Existing System Windows XP Confirm InstallationInstall Driver in an Existing System Windows Red Hat Linux 8.0, 9.0, EL 3.0, EL SuSE Linux 9.1, 9.2, ES Install Driver During New OS Installation Single ProcessorInstall Driver During New OS Installation Multi-Processor Install Driver in an Existing System Concepts Adapter BiosAbout FastTrak Introduction to RAIDRAID 0 Stripe interleaves data across multiple drives RAID 0 StripeRAID 1 Mirrors identical data to two drives RAID 1 MirrorRAID 5 Stripes all drives with data and parity information RAID 5 Block Striping with Distributed ParityAbout Dual Data Redundancy RAID 10 Mirror / StripeCH1 CH2 CH3 CH4 Jbod Single DriveAdvantages Disadvantages Choosing a RAID LevelJbod Stripe Block Size Other Logical Drive FeaturesGigabyte Boundary Initialization Fast InitLogical Drive Expansion Cache SettingsLevel Current Number Possible Number Drives RAID Level MigrationFrom Increase Redundancy Capacity Add LoseRanges of Disk Array Expansion Current LD Size Maximum LD Sector Size Expansion Size Page Motherboard Issues Troubleshooting & TipsDrive-Related Errors System Cmos IssuesDrive cannot be formed into an logical drive Operating System-Related IssuesPromise Windows driver does not appear in Device Manager Performance TipsSupport Frequently Asked QuestionsPre-Installation Speed, Device Types, Capacity, Cabling How can I change the resources that the FastTrak uses? Drive IssuesOther array configurations will not work for this purpose Post-Installation Installation Issues Capacity, BootingContact Technical Support Technical Support ServicesUnited States Europe, Africa, Middle EastTaiwan GermanyItaly China Limited WarrantyDisclaimer of other warranties Your Responsibilities Return Product For Repair
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SX8300, SX4300 specifications

Promise Technology has established itself as a leader in data storage solutions, particularly with its cutting-edge SX4300 and SX8300 series. These enterprise-grade solutions cater to businesses seeking high-performance, reliable, and scalable storage systems.

The Promise SX4300 and SX8300 are built around the M.2 NVMe interface, providing exceptional data transfer speeds and low latency, which are crucial for applications requiring rapid data access. Both models leverage PCIe Gen 3 technology, ensuring that they can handle the demands of modern workloads with ease, whether in cloud storage, media production, or enterprise databases.

One of the standout features of the SX4300 is its ability to support up to four NVMe M.2 SSDs. This configuration allows for impressive storage capacities ranging from 3.2TB to 12.8TB. It also includes advanced features like parity RAID for data redundancy, safeguarding against drive failures and ensuring data integrity. The SX4300 is particularly well-suited for users looking for a compact solution that does not compromise on performance.

In contrast, the SX8300 takes performance a step further with support for up to eight NVMe M.2 SSDs. This expansion allows for scalable storage solutions tailored to the evolving needs of growing enterprises. The SX8300 also implements advanced cooling technologies that prevent thermal throttling during intense operations, thus maintaining optimal performance across extended periods.

Both models support Promise Technology’s proprietary RAID management software which simplifies configuration and monitoring. Users can easily manage their storage environments, enhancing performance and monitoring the health of their drives in real time. Additionally, these devices are designed to be compatible with a wide range of operating systems, making them versatile solutions for various IT infrastructures.

Regarding connectivity, the SX4300 and SX8300 provide robust options, ensuring high availability for mission-critical applications. Their compact, rack-mounted design promotes effective space utilization in data centers, adhering to modern IT demands for efficiency.

In summary, Promise Technology's SX4300 and SX8300 series deliver exceptional performance, scalability, and reliability, making them ideal choices for enterprises looking to enhance their storage capabilities. With advanced RAID technology, immense storage capacity, and easy-to-use management software, these systems are positioned to meet the high demands of today’s data-intensive environments. Choosing between the SX4300 and SX8300 ultimately depends on the required capacity and scalability needs, but both models exemplify Promise Technology’s commitment to innovation in data storage solutions.