Appendix C: Using the Adaptec RAID Configuration Utility ● 105

Introduction to the ARC Utility

The ARC utility comprises these tools:

●The Array Configuration Utility (ACU)—For creating and managing arrays, and initializing and rescanning disk drives (see page 105).

●SerialSelect—For modifying your controller and disk drive settings (see page 110).

●Disk Utilities—For formatting or verifying disk drives (see page 113).

Running the ARC Utility

If your Adaptec controller is connected to a RAID enclosure, power on your enclosure (or enclosures) before you power on your computer.

Start or restart your computer. When prompted, press Ctrl+A.

During boot up, if your system has insufficient memory this message displays:

“Adaptec RAID Configuration Utility will load after, system initialization. Please wait... Or press <Enter> Key to attempt loading the utility forcibly [Generally, not recommended]”

Note: The first time you power on your computer after you install a new controller, the BIOS may display a configuration that doesn’t match your system’s configuration. This is normal.

Navigating the ARC Utility

All the tools within the ARC utility are menu-based and instructions for completing tasks appear on-screen. Menus can be navigated using the arrows, Enter, Esc, and other keys on your keyboard.

Using the ACU to Create and Manage Arrays

To open the ACU, start the ARC utility (see page 105). If you have more than one controller, select your controller, then press Enter. Select Array Configuration Utility, then press Enter.

Follow the on-screen instructions to create and manage arrays, and initialize, rescan, and erase disk drives.

Creating a New Array

To begin creating an array, select Create Arrays from the main ACU menu.

Only disk drives that can be used in a new array are available for selection. (Disk drives must be initialized before they can be used in an array. See Initializing Disk Drives on page 108 for more information.)

Use the Array Properties menu to modify the array’s RAID level, size, name, stripe size, cache settings, and maxCache settings.

Note: For more information about RAID levels and using disk drives to create arrays, see Choosing a RAID Level on page 41. For more information about maxCache, see Modifying Cache Settings on page 107; see also Using the ACU to Manage the maxCache Pool on page 109.

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Adaptec 2268300R manual Introduction to the ARC Utility, Running the ARC Utility, Using the ACU to Create and Manage Arrays
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2268300R specifications

The Adaptec 2268300R is a robust and versatile RAID controller designed for enterprise-level storage needs. Ideal for environments demanding high availability, performance, and data protection, this controller provides organizations with the ability to manage large volumes of data while ensuring reliability.

One of the standout features of the Adaptec 2268300R is its support for various RAID levels, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60. This flexibility allows users to choose the configuration that best suits their performance and redundancy requirements. By combining multiple drives into a single logical unit, the controller enhances data throughput and ensures data safety through redundancy.

The controller is built on a SATA and SAS architecture, allowing it to connect directly to both SATA and SAS drives. This broad compatibility is crucial for businesses looking to leverage existing hardware while also scaling their storage infrastructure. The Adaptec 2268300R is equipped with a powerful onboard processor that significantly boosts performance, driving down latency and increasing transaction speeds across connected drives.

Additionally, the Adaptec 2268300R features cache memory with a non-volatile option that enhances data integrity during unexpected power outages. This feature is essential for mission-critical applications where data loss can have severe repercussions. Moreover, the controller supports advanced caching algorithms, optimizing write and read performance to meet the demands of modern applications.

The controller also integrates seamlessly with Adaptec's management suite, providing users with a graphical interface to monitor and manage their storage solutions effectively. The web-based management tool allows administrators to configure RAID settings, monitor disk health, and perform troubleshooting, all from a centralized platform.

Security is another critical aspect of the Adaptec 2268300R. The controller comes equipped with encryption capabilities, enabling users to secure sensitive data at rest—protecting information from unauthorized access. Furthermore, with features like hot-spare drive support and automatic rebuilds, the controller assures continued operation even in the event of a disk failure.

In conclusion, the Adaptec 2268300R is a powerful RAID controller that delivers significant advantages in performance, flexibility, and reliability. With its support for multiple RAID levels, SAS and SATA compatibility, robust caching, and advanced management tools, it stands out as an ideal solution for businesses needing to safeguard and manage their vast data assets efficiently. Whether for enhancing data security or optimizing storage performance, the Adaptec 2268300R remains a sound choice in today’s data-driven landscape.
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