Chapter 5: Installing the Controller and Disk Drives 47

Before You Begin

Read Safety Information on page 147.

Familiarize yourself with your RAID controller’s physical features and the RAID levels that it supports (see page 18).

Ensure you have the right quantity of disk drives for the RAID level you want to use for your arrays (see page 42).

Ensure that you have the proper cables for your controller and disk drives (see page 42).

If you are installing a low-profile RAID controller into a low-profile computer cabinet, replace the original full-height bracket with the low-profile bracket included in the kit (see page 43).

Installing the Controller

This section describes how to install your Adaptec RAID controller into your computer cabinet. Adaptec RAID controllers come in two basic configurations: Standard and Zero Maintenance Cache Protection with batteryless backup (ZMCP). ZMCP uses flash memory and a supercapacitor module to protect the cache without a battery.

Follow one of these sets of instructions:

To install a standard series Adaptec RAID controller (without Zero Maintenance Cache Protection), see the following section.

To install an Adaptec RAID controller with Zero Maintenance Cache Protection, see page 48.

!Caution: Be sure to handle the controller by its bracket or edges only.

Installing a RAID Controller

1 Turn off your computer and disconnect the power cord. Open the cabinet, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

2Select an available PCIe expansion slot that’s compatible with

your RAID controller and remove the slot cover, as shown at right. (PCIe bus compatibility is marked to the controller figures in About Your RAID Controller on page 17.)

! Caution: Touch a grounded metal object before handling the RAID controller.

Page 48
Image 48
Adaptec 2268300R manual Before You Begin, Installing the Controller, Installing a RAID Controller

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.