If you want to boot the system from a hard disk drive included in a created RAID set, copy first the RAID driver from the support DVD to a floppy disk before you install an operating system to the selected hard disk drive. Refer to section 5.5 Creating a RAID driver disk for details.

5.4.2Installing Serial ATA hard disks

The motherboard supports Serial ATA hard disk drives. For optimal performance, install identical drives of the same model and capacity when creating a disk array.

To install the SATA hard disks for a RAID configuration:

1.Install the SATA hard disks into the drive bays.

2.Connect the SATA signal cables.

3.Connect a SATA power cable to the power connector on each drive.

5.4.3Intel® RAID configurations

This motherboard supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and Intel® Matrix Storage configurations for Serial ATA hard disks drives through the Intel® ESB2E Southbridge chip.

Setting the RAID item in BIOS

You must set the RAID item in the BIOS Setup before you can create a RAID set(s). To do this:

1.Enter the BIOS Setup during POST.

2.Go to the Main Menu, select Storage Configuration, then press <Enter>.

3.Select the item Configure SATA as, then press <Enter> to display the configuration options.

4.Select RAID from the Configure SATA as item options, then press <Enter>.

5.Save your changes, then exit the BIOS Setup.

See Chapter 4 for details on entering and navigating through the BIOS Setup.

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Chapter 5: Software support

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Asus Z7S WS manual Installing Serial ATA hard disks, Intel RAID configurations, Setting the RAID item in Bios

Z7S WS specifications

The Asus Z7S WS is a workstation motherboard designed to deliver exceptional performance and reliability for a variety of professional applications, particularly in fields such as graphic design, 3D rendering, and scientific computing. This motherboard stands out with its robust features and cutting-edge technologies, making it an ideal choice for users who require high levels of performance and stability.

One of the cornerstone features of the Asus Z7S WS is its support for dual Intel Xeon processors, allowing users to take advantage of the impressive multi-threading capabilities offered by these powerful CPUs. This makes the Z7S WS suitable for multitasking and handling demanding workloads, enabling professionals to run multiple applications simultaneously without experiencing performance degradation.

In terms of memory support, the Z7S WS is compatible with up to 64GB of DDR3 RAM. This extensive memory capability is essential for memory-intensive tasks, ensuring that users can work with large datasets or complex projects without running into limitations. The motherboard also supports ECC (Error-Correcting Code) memory, which helps to enhance data integrity and system reliability, crucial for mission-critical applications.

The Asus Z7S WS embraces advanced storage technologies, featuring multiple SATA 6Gb/s ports and support for RAID configurations. This enables users to establish a reliable storage environment with improved performance and data protection. Additionally, the motherboard is equipped with an onboard SAS (Serial Attached SCSI) controller, allowing for enterprise-grade storage solutions and improved data transfer rates.

Connectivity is another strong suit of the Z7S WS. The motherboard provides a wide array of expansion slots, including PCIe slots for high-performance graphics cards and other add-on cards. This flexibility allows users to configure their workstation to meet specific needs, whether it's for gaming, professional graphics work, or computational tasks.

Moreover, the Asus Z7S WS features high-definition audio and multiple USB ports, catering to users who require audio capabilities and extensive peripheral connectivity. The robust power delivery system is designed to ensure stability even under heavy loads, making this motherboard a reliable choice for professional use.

Finally, Asus emphasizes durability and longevity in the design of the Z7S WS, incorporating high-quality components that can withstand prolonged usage. Overall, the Asus Z7S WS is a powerful workstation motherboard that provides the performance, reliability, and versatility needed for demanding professional environments.