Aligning drives in a RAID configuration

If two or more Advanced Format drives have been configured for RAID, running the Paragon Partition Alignment Tool on these drives aligns partitions at 2,048 sectors. Since a starting offset of 2,048 supports most stripe-unit sizes, performance would be enhanced6 due to the elimination of redundant disk operations.

Running the Paragon Partition Alignment Tool ensures support for the stripe-unit sizes associated with most RAID configurations, including RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10.7

If you wish to perform an unattended deployment for an aligned partition in a RAID configuration, you can use DiskPart or ImageX as long as the RAID volume had been set up before creating partitions and applying the image.

Using third-party deployment tools

Deploying an OS that is Advanced Format-aware (such as Windows 7) with a third-party deployment tool that is not Advance Format-aware may result in misalignment. Moreover, if you were to boot to an OS such as Linux or DOS, the partitioning tool may not be Advanced Format-aware in that particular environment.

Contact the vendor for requirements for running their deployment tool.

Enhancing performance with many small writes (as with ImageX)

While Windows 7 SP1 and WinPE 3.1 are already optimized, Microsoft Knowledge Base article KB982018 addresses performance degradation associated with a Windows 7 or WinPE 3.0 system performing many small writes to an Advanced Format drive. For example, using the ImageX command-line tool while booted to WinPE to apply a Windows image (.wim file) to an Advanced Format drive would take significantly longer than applying the same image to a traditional hard drive.

To optimize Windows 7 performance, you should apply the KB982018 hotfix to your HP system, as described in the article.

For WinPE 3.0, IT professionals can install KB982018 by following the procedure described in Appendix B: Procedure for installing KB982018 into WinPE 3.0.

Validating partition alignment

This section outlines the following options for validating partition alignment:

∙Using the Unattended Advanced Format Hard Disk Information Tool

∙Using Microsoft DiskExt (for Windows XP or later platforms)

∙Using the Windows Management Information Command-line (WMIC) utility (for Windows XP or later platforms)

∙Using DiskPart (for Windows 7 platforms)

Sample calculations are also provided.

6Compared to a scenario with misaligned drives

7Ultimately, alignment depend on stripe-unit size; however, 1 MB (2,048 sectors) alignment fits most RAID stripe-unit sizes.

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HP 6005 Pro Validating partition alignment, Aligning drives in a RAID configuration, Using third-party deployment tools
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6005 Pro specifications

The HP 6005 Pro is a robust desktop computer that serves as a versatile solution for both business and home office environments. This model is part of HP's Pro series, designed primarily for professionals who need reliability and performance in a compact form factor. Featuring AMD's Phenom II and Athlon II processors, the 6005 Pro offers a balance of power and efficiency, making it suitable for multitasking and running demanding applications.

One of the standout features of the HP 6005 Pro is its expandability. With a variety of configuration options, users can choose from different processor speeds and RAM capacities, up to 16 GB, ensuring that the system can handle everything from simple office tasks to more complex data processing needs. The desktop supports DDR3 SDRAM, which enhances system responsiveness and enables faster data processing.

In terms of connectivity, the HP 6005 Pro is well-equipped. It includes multiple USB ports, allowing for easy connections to peripherals such as printers, scanners, and external drives. Additionally, it comes with integrated HDMI and VGA outputs, making it simple to connect to a variety of display devices for presentations, multimedia, or extended workspaces.

The HP 6005 Pro also takes security into consideration, offering features such as TPM (Trusted Platform Module) technology. This enhances data encryption and protects sensitive information, making it an excellent choice for businesses handling confidential data. Moreover, HP's BIOS protection helps safeguard the system against unauthorized access and malware attacks.

Another key characteristic of the HP 6005 Pro is its energy efficiency. With an Energy Star rating, the system not only reduces power consumption but also minimizes operational costs. This is particularly beneficial for small to medium-sized businesses looking to lower their overhead while maintaining high productivity levels.

Additionally, the compact design of the HP 6005 Pro allows it to fit comfortably in various workspace configurations, making it an ideal choice for limited office spaces. Its durability ensures that it can withstand the rigors of daily use, making it a sound investment for any budget-conscious organization.

In summary, the HP 6005 Pro combines power, flexibility, and efficiency, catering to the diverse needs of today’s professionals. With its expandable architecture, robust security features, and energy-saving capabilities, it remains a solid choice in the desktop market.
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