Promise Technology SX8300, SX4300 Other array configurations will not work for this purpose

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Chapter 7: Support

I already have an array on an older FastTrak controller. Can I move that array to my new FastTrak SX4300 or SX8300 controller?

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

Can I take a drive used in a FastTrak SX Series logical drive and access it directly with a different controller, such as the one integrated on the motherboard?

Yes, but only under certain configurations. First, the other controller must address the drives as LBA, not CHS.

Second, only the following configurations allow the drive(s) to be accessed individually on another controller:

Single-drive RAID 0 (stripe)

One drive from a RAID 1 (mirror) logical drive

JBOD

Other array configurations will not work for this purpose.

If I have a problem with one of the drives on the FastTrak SX Series, how can I low-level format it to correct the problem?

Do NOT do this! Low-level formatting hard disk drives is not only unnecessary but it generally does not correct problems commonly experienced during use.

Errors such as bad sectors or ECC/CRC failure are best remedied by completely replacing the drive. For this reason, do NOT low-level format the drives attached to the FastTrak Controller.

Do I have to install disk management software on my logical drive in order to access the full storage capacity of drives?

No! Disk management software will only complicate things. The logical drive should be fully addressable by your OS as it is. Remember that some operating systems have varying limits on the sizes of partitions and logical drives that can be defined. Consult your OS documentation about partitioning larger drives. Also see “Ranges of Disk Array Expansion” on page 46.

What system BIOS setup settings do I use for the drives on the FastTrak SX Series controller?

A BIOS setting is required only if you want to boot your system from the logical drive on the FastTrak controller. After your logical drive is created, partitioned and formatted, make the change in your BIOS boot order setting.

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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 IntroductionXOR Acceleration Product OverviewHot-Swapping WebPAM Management Software Page SX4300 InstallationSX8300 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 Halt On Error Logical Drive ProblemsSystem Resources Page RAID 0 and Jbod Page Installing Software Drivers Install Driver in an Existing System Install Driver During New OS InstallationWindows Server Windows XP Confirm InstallationInstall Driver in an Existing System Windows Red Hat Linux 8.0, 9.0, EL 3.0, EL Install Driver During New OS Installation Multi-Processor Install Driver During New OS Installation Single ProcessorSuSE Linux 9.1, 9.2, ES 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 TipsPre-Installation Speed, Device Types, Capacity, Cabling Frequently Asked QuestionsSupport 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 EastItaly GermanyTaiwan Disclaimer of other warranties Limited WarrantyChina 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.