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4-1-3 Serial ATA BIOS Setting Utility Introduction

RAID Levels

RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) is a method of combining two hard disk drives into one logical unit. The advantage of an Array is to provide better performance or data fault tolerance. Fault tolerance is achieved through data redundant operation, where if one drives fails, a mirrored copy of the data can be found on another drive. This can prevent data loss if the operating system fails or hangs. The individual disk drives in an array are called members. The configuration information of each member is recorded in the reserved sector that identifies the drive as a member. All disk members in a formed disk array are recognized as a single physical drive to the operating system.

Hard disk drives can be combined together through a few different methods. The different methods are referred to as different RAID levels. Different RAID levels represent different performance levels, security levels and implementation costs. The RAID levels which the Intel® ICH6R chipset supports are RAID 0 and RAID 1.

RAID 0 (Striping)

RAID 0 reads and writes sectors of data interleaved between multiple drives. If any disk member fails, it affects the entire array. The disk array data capacity is equal to the number of drive members times the capacity of the smallest member. The striping block size can be set from 4KB to 64KB. RAID 0 does not support fault tolerance.

RAID 1 (Mirroring)

RAID 1 writes duplicate data onto a pair of drives and reads both sets of data in parallel. If one of the mirrored drives suffers a mechanical failure or does not respond, the remaining drive will continue to function. Due to redundancy, the drive capacity of the array is the capacity of the smallest drive. Under a RAID 1 setup, an extra drive called the spare drive can be attached. Such a drive will be activated to replace a failed drive that is part of a mirrored array. Due to the fault tolerance, if any RAID 1 drive fails, data access will not be affected as long as there are other working drives in the array.

GA-8I925X-G Motherboard

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Gigabyte GA-8I925X-G user manual Serial ATA Bios Setting Utility Introduction, RAID Levels
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GA-8I925X-G specifications

The Gigabyte GA-8I925X-G motherboard is a notable product that caters to desktop users seeking robust performance and reliable features. Built on the Intel 925X chipset, it supports the LGA 775 socket, making it compatible with a range of Intel Pentium 4 and Pentium D processors. This compatibility allows users to take advantage of Intel's advanced Hyper-Threading technology, enhancing multitasking and process efficiency.

One of the standout features of the GA-8I925X-G is its support for dual-channel DDR2 memory. It offers four DIMM slots, allowing for a maximum RAM capacity of 4GB. The motherboard facilitates memory speeds up to 533 MHz, ensuring swift data processing and improved performance in memory-intensive applications. Users can benefit from reduced latency and enhanced memory bandwidth which is essential for gaming and heavy multitasking.

In terms of connectivity, the GA-8I925X-G is equipped with an array of ports and slots. It boasts a PCI Express x16 slot for high-performance graphics cards, ensuring compatibility with the latest GPUs. In addition to the PCI Express slots, it features several PCI slots for additional expansion cards. The board also incorporates SATA II connectors, allowing for fast data transfer rates of up to 3Gb/s. This support for Serial ATA drives offers advantages like hot-swapping and improved storage options.

The audio capabilities of the GA-8I925X-G are delivered through the integrated Realtek ALC850 sound chipset, providing 8-channel audio support for a rich audio experience. Users can enjoy high-fidelity sound whether it’s for gaming, movie watching, or music playback.

The motherboard includes Gigabit Ethernet support for high-speed networking, allowing for faster downloads, smoother streaming, and better online gaming experiences. Additionally, it comes with a range of Gigabyte's proprietary technologies, such as EasyTune and Smart Fan, facilitating overclocking adjustments and effective cooling management without compromising system stability.

The Gigabyte GA-8I925X-G also demonstrates an intelligent design, featuring durable capacitors and a robust power design which contributes to its stability and lifespan. Its combination of performance, features, and reliability makes it a compelling choice for users building a solid, high-performance PC. Overall, this motherboard stands as a testament to Gigabyte’s commitment to engineering quality products tailored for both gamers and professionals looking to maximize their computing experience.
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