Chapter 9: Managing Your Storage Space l 52

About the ARC Utility

The Adaptec RAID Configuration (ARC) utility is a BIOS-based utility that you can use to create and manage controllers, disk drives and other devices, and arrays. The ARC utility comprises these tools:

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

●SerialSelect Utility—Used to change device and HostRAID controller settings.

●Disk Utilities—For formatting or verifying disk drives.

The ARC utility is included in your controller’s BIOS. For more information, see Using the ARC Utility on page 68.

The ARC utility is primarily intended for pre-operating system installation configuration.

About the Adaptec Flash Utility

The Adaptec Flash Utility (AFU) is a text-based DOS utility that you can use to update, save, or verify your HostRAID controller’s firmware BIOS and Non-Volatile Random Access Memory (NVRAM). For more information, see page 80.

!Caution: Although the AFU contains safeguards to prevent you from accidentally damaging your RAID controller’s flash contents, it is still important to use the AFU carefully and correctly to avoid rendering your RAID controller inoperable.Adaptec recommends that only advanced users familiar with working in DOS use the AFU.

Which Utility Should I Use?

To create a bootable array, Adaptec recommends that you use the BIOS-based ARC utility.

For all subsequent storage management tasks, Adaptec recommends that you install and use Adaptec Storage Manager (see page 51). As a full-featured software application with a graphical user interface (GUI), it is the easiest to use and offers the widest range of management functions.

Page 50 Page 52
Page 51
Image 51
Adaptec 48300, 58300, 44300, 1220SA manual About the ARC Utility, About the Adaptec Flash Utility, Which Utility Should I Use?
Page 50 Page 52

1430SA, 1225SA, 1420SA, 1220SA, 48300 specifications

Adaptec, a prominent name in the world of storage solutions, offers a diverse array of RAID controller cards aimed at enhancing data storage and management in both consumer and enterprise markets. Among its acclaimed products are the Adaptec 1220SA, 1430SA, 44300, 1225SA, and 1420SA. These cards ensure increased data protection, improved performance, and greater scalability.

The Adaptec 1220SA is a robust SATA RAID controller designed for small to medium-sized businesses. It supports RAID levels 0, 1, 1E, 5, and 10, providing flexibility for users to optimize data redundancy and performance. With the capability of handling up to four SATA drives, it guarantees an efficient and reliable setup while minimizing potential data loss. The controller also features an intuitive web-based management interface, making it easier to administer and configure.

The Adaptec 1430SA extends similar functionality with enhanced features. It is designed to accommodate up to eight SATA drives and supports the latest 3 Gbps SATA technology. This model includes optional battery backup for preserving critical data during unexpected power outages, ensuring that users maintain data integrity and protection at all times.

In the enterprise domain, the Adaptec 44300 shines as a high-performance RAID controller. It offers support for 12 SATA drives, which allows for expansive storage scalability, crucial for data-intensive applications. The advanced RAID features include support for RAID 6, providing dual parity data protection. The controller is built with a powerful processor and memory, allowing for faster data processing and enhanced throughput.

The Adaptec 1225SA is another noteworthy model. Designed for entry-level RAID applications, it offers a balanced combination of performance and reliability. Supporting up to four SATA drives, the 1225SA is particularly well-suited for environments where uptime is critical, delivering functionalities such as hot-swapping. This feature allows users to replace failed drives without shutting down the system, significantly reducing downtime.

Lastly, the Adaptec 1420SA caters to users who require a cost-effective but reliable storage solution. With support for RAID 0, 1, and JBOD, it is a versatile option for enthusiasts and small businesses. The controller can manage up to two SATA drives, making it ideal for basic applications where simplicity and efficiency are paramount.

Collectively, these Adaptec controllers showcase cutting-edge RAID technology and storage management features, reinforcing their position as reliable options for users ranging from home users to enterprise-level organizations seeking optimal data storage solutions.
Top Page Image Contents