Compaq 3200 Optimizing Array Controller Performance, Running the Array Configuration Utility

5-36Running the Array Configuration Utility

Optimizing Array Controller Performance

To improve system performance, keep these tips in mind before creating

NetWare volumes or partitions:

■If you selected a fault-tolerance option, such as mirroring or distributed data guarding, when using the Compaq System Configuration Utility, do not select mirroring while using INSTALL.NLM. The fault tolerance capabilities of the Smart Array 3200 Controller provide performance improvements and automatic data recovery features.

■Novell recommends that you create volumes with a 64-KB block size and that you use the Block Sub-Allocation feature of NetWare. Using a large block size decreases the amount of RAM required to mount the volume, while Block Sub-Allocation allows NetWare to allocate disk space more efficiently.

■Use of linear memory provides the best performance in the NetWare environment. When you use the Compaq System Configuration Utility to configure your server with NetWare, the memory options default so that linear memory is used. To verify the setting, run the Compaq System Configuration Utility and view the Compaq Memory settings. Make sure that a linear option has been selected under the Base Memory option.

Using the Compaq Drive Array Optimization

Utility (CPQDAOPT)

Compaq recommends that you use the Compaq Drive Array Optimization Utility (CPQDAOPT.NLM) to optimize the drive arrays on your server before creating partitions. CPQDAOPT assists you in optimizing performance and can increase drive array performance by 20 to 40 percent. CPQDAOPT provides a formula specific to your configuration. Use this information as you create a partition using INSTALL.NLM. If you installed NetWare using SmartStart, it is not necessary to run this utility.