AMCC 9000 manual Before You Begin, Installation Considerations

Installing the Hardware

Before You Begin

The next few pages describe some factors you may want to consider during installation, and the tools and equipment you will need.

Installation Considerations

Cable Length, Routing Space, and Air Flow

When you are installing multiple drives with a controller, make sure there is adequate space in the chassis for the required cables. It is important that the cables do not obstruct the air flow or prevent proper ventilation of the system.

Selecting the Slot in Which to Install the Controller

Consider these factors when deciding on the slot in which to insert the controller:

„Cable routing may be easier if you install the 3ware RAID controller next to an open slot.

The amount of clearance you need will depend on the number of drives you will be connecting to the controller.

„While the 3ware RAID Controller runs properly in any PCI or PCI-X slot, not all slots give equal performance due to the architecture of the PCI bus.

These slots typically give the best performance:

„Slots closest to the Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP), if included.

„64-bit PCI slots

Although the controller fits in both 32-bit and 64-bit PCI or PCI-X slots with 5V as well as with 3.3V, install it in a 64- bit slot to take full advantage of the controller’s performance.

83ware 9000 Series Serial ATA RAID Controller Installation Guide