Table 5-2. Virtual Disk Parameters and Descriptions (continued)

Parameter

Description

 

 

Write Policy

Write Policy specifies the controller write policy. You can set the write

 

policy to Write-Back or Write-Through.

 

In Write-Backcaching, the controller sends a data transfer

 

completion signal to the host when the controller cache has received

 

all the data in a transaction.

 

NOTE: If a Battery Backup Unit (BBU) is present, the default cache

 

setting is Write-Back. If no BBU is present, the default cache policy

 

default setting is Write-Through.

 

NOTE: If Write-Backis enabled and the system is quickly turned off and

 

then on, the controller may pause as the system flushes cache memory.

 

Controllers that contain a battery backup default to Write-Backcaching.

 

In Write-Throughcaching, the controller sends a data transfer

 

completion signal to the host when the disk subsystem has received

 

all the data in a transaction.

 

 

Read Policy

Read-Aheadenables the read ahead feature for the virtual disk.

 

You can set the parameter to Read-Ahead, No-Read-Ahead,

 

or Adaptive. The default is Adaptive-Read-Ahead.

 

Read-Aheadspecifies that the controller uses Read-Aheadfor the

 

current virtual disk. Read-Aheadcapability allows the controller to

 

read sequentially ahead of requested data and store the additional

 

data in cache memory, anticipating that the data is required soon.

 

No-Read-Aheadspecifies that the controller does not use read ahead

 

for the current virtual disk.

 

Adaptive specifies that the controller begins using Read-Aheadif the

 

two most recent disk accesses occurred in sequential sectors.

 

If all read requests are random, the algorithm reverts to

 

No-Read-Ahead; however, all requests are still evaluated for

 

possible sequential operation.

 

 

Management Applications for PERC Cards

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Dell H310, H710P, H810 manual Write Policy

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.