BIOS Configuration Utility

The BIOS Configuration Utility, also known as <Ctrl><R>, is a storage management application embedded on the PERC H310, H710, H710P, and H810 cards that configures and maintains RAID disk groups and virtual disks. <Ctrl><R> is independent of the operating system.

NOTE: Use the BIOS Configuration Utility (<Ctrl><R>) for initial setup and disaster recovery. You can use advanced features through Dell OpenManage storage management application and Dell SAS RAID storage manager.

The following sections provide information about using the BIOS Configuration Utility (<Ctrl><R>). For more information, see the online help option by pressing <F1>.

NOTE: The PERC PER H310, H710, H710P, and H810 card configuration utility refreshes the screen to show changes to information. The refresh occurs when you press <F5> or every 15 seconds.

Entering the BIOS Configuration Utility

Perform the following steps to enter the BIOS Configuration Utility (<Ctrl><R>) when you boot the system:

1Turn on the system.

A BIOS screen displays information about the controller and configuration.

2During startup, press <Ctrl><R> when prompted by the BIOS screen.

After you press <Ctrl><R>, if there is only one controller, the Virtual Disk Management screen for that controller is displayed. If there are is more than one controller, the main menu screen is displayed. The screen lists the RAID controllers. Use the arrow keys to select the RAID controller you want to configure, and press <Enter> to access the management menus for the controller.

NOTE: You can access multiple controllers through the BIOS Configuration Utility (<Ctrl><R>) by pressing <F12>.

NOTE: You can access PERC H700, H800, H310, H710, H710P, or H810 cards from the same BIOS if the PERC 6/H700/H800 firmware is 6.2.0-0013 or later.

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Management Applications for PERC Cards

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Dell H710P, H310, H810 manual Entering the Bios Configuration Utility

H310, H710, H710P, H810 specifications

Dell offers a range of storage controller technologies, notably the H810, H710, H710P, and H310, which cater to different enterprise needs. These controllers are designed to support various storage configurations, enhancing overall system performance and reliability.

The Dell H810 is a high-performance PCIe 3.0 RAID controller that supports up to eight internal drives and is particularly suited for demanding workloads. It features advanced RAID levels including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60, providing flexibility for various data protection strategies. The H810 also supports up to 32TB of storage capacity, making it suitable for environments that require substantial data management capabilities.

The H710 is another powerful RAID controller, widely recognized for its balance of performance and cost-efficiency. It features 1GB of cache memory, which aids in accelerating read and write operations. The H710 supports the same RAID levels as the H810 and allows for up to 512MB of non-volatile memory. This ensures data integrity even in the event of a power failure, making it reliable for critical applications.

The H710P is an enhanced version of the H710, with a significant upgrade in its cache capabilities. It offers 2GB of battery-backed cache memory, further enhancing data processing speeds and improving responsiveness. The H710P is ideal for intensive workloads and virtualization, where rapid access to data is essential. This controller also includes features such as RAID storage pooling, intelligent data tiering, and support for multiple virtual disks.

Finally, the H310 is a cost-effective option for small to medium-sized businesses or those with less demanding storage requirements. It offers similar RAID support as the higher-end controllers but operates with a simpler architecture. The H310 features 512MB of cache, providing sufficient performance for regular workloads without the additional complexities of more advanced controllers.

In summary, Dell's H810, H710, H710P, and H310 storage controllers each serve distinct purposes, providing various features, technologies, and performance characteristics tailored to different business needs. From high-capacity storage solutions to user-friendly setups, Dell’s offerings ensure that organizations can efficiently manage their data storage requirements.