5.4.3Silicon Image® RAID configurations

The Silicon Image® RAID controller allows you to configure RAID 1 and RAID 0 sets on the external Serial ATA hard disk drives. Use the Silicon Image RAID utility to configure a disk array.

Installing External Serial ATA (E-SATA) hard disks

To install the External SATA hard disks for a RAID configuration:

1.Connect one end of the E-SATA signal cables to the rear panel port.

2.Connect the other end of the E-SATA signal cables to the external SATA disk drives.

The installation procedure in this section is provided for reference only, refer to the user guide that comes with the external drive for detailed installation instructions.

Setting the BIOS RAID items

After installing the hard disk drives, make sure to set the necessary RAID items in the BIOS before setting your RAID configuration.

To set the BIOS RAID items:

1.Boot the system and press <Del> during the Power-On Self-Test (POST) to enter the BIOS Setup Utility.

2.From the Advanced > Onboard Device Configuration menu item in the BIOS set the Silicon SATA II Controller item to RAID Mode. See section “4.5.3

Onboard Device Configuration” for details.

3.Save your changes and Exit Setup.

Launching the Silicon Image Array Management Software

Launch the Silicon Image Array Management software from Windows® XP by clicking the Start button and selecting All Programs > Silicon Image > Sam

For details on the Silicon Image SATARaid™ RAID configuration, refer to the “Sil3132 User Guide” in your motherboard support CD.

5-34

Chapter 5: Software support

Page 156
Image 156
Asus Striker Extreme manual Silicon Image RAID configurations, Installing External Serial ATA E-SATA hard disks

Striker Extreme specifications

The Asus Striker Extreme is a high-performance motherboard designed primarily for enthusiasts and gamers who demand the best from their systems. Released as part of the Republic of Gamers (ROG) line-up, this motherboard is built around the NVIDIA nForce 680i SLI chipset, enabling exceptional performance in multi-GPU setups.

One of the standout features of the Striker Extreme is its support for NVIDIA SLI technology, allowing users to install multiple graphics cards to achieve higher frame rates and improved visual performance in games and applications. With its 5 PCI Express x16 slots, the motherboard facilitates extensive expandability options, making it an ideal choice for users looking to build a robust gaming rig.

The Striker Extreme also comes with advanced overclocking capabilities. The motherboard features the exclusive Asus AI Suite, which allows users to easily tweak various system settings, including voltage, FSB, and memory timings, directly from the Windows interface. This makes it accessible for both novice and experienced overclockers to fine-tune their systems for maximum performance without the need to dive into the BIOS frequently.

In terms of connectivity, the Striker Extreme offers an impressive set of features. It includes six SATA II ports for high-speed storage, supporting RAID configurations for enhanced data protection and performance. Additionally, the Realtek ALC882M sound chip provides excellent audio quality, along with support for 8-channel HD audio, creating a rich audio environment for gaming and multimedia applications.

For those who prioritize aesthetics, the Striker Extreme is adorned with striking LED lights and a sleek, black PCB design that complements any high-end build. Moreover, the motherboard features an LCD poster for easy troubleshooting, providing users with real-time status updates on boot processes and system health.

The Asus Striker Extreme also supports cutting-edge technologies such as DDR2 memory, allowing up to 8GB of RAM to be installed, which is crucial for modern gaming and multitasking. With an emphasis on performance, expandability, and ease of use, the Asus Striker Extreme is an excellent choice for gamers and PC enthusiasts looking to create a powerful and stylish desktop environment. Its rich feature set and robust design truly embody the capabilities expected from a top-tier motherboard in the gaming community.