Input/Output Interfaces

RAID 1—Mirroring with Two Hard Drives

RAID 1 uses to mirroring to increase storage reliability with minimal impact on performance. Reliability of the storage system is calculated bythe MTBF of an individual drive multiplied by the total number of drives.

Factory Configuration for RAID 1

These systems may be ordered preconfigured from the factory for RAID 1 as follows:

Two identical SATA hard drives installed

System BIOS ROM and option ROM preconfigured

Windows operating system and drivers preloaded and set to mirrored mode

Implementing AHCI RAID for Non-Factory Configurations

CAUTION: Changing the system BIOS ROM SATA Emulation setting from IDE to AHCI RAID is equivalent to re-connecting the hard drive(s) to a new add-on RAID storage controller. If the original (factory) software image has been replaced and the appropriate RAID driver is not installed, the system will not boot. The RAID driver is available from http://www.hp.com.

Applying the default system BIOS ROM settings DOES NOT change the SATA Emulation setting. The SATA Emulation setting can only be changed manually.

Configuring a system for AHCI RAID operation requires the following:

For single-drive systems:

In the system ROM (accessed by F10 during boot) set the SATA Emulation mode to AHCI RAID.

For multiple-drive systems:

a. In the system ROM (accessed by F10 during boot) set the SATA Emulation mode to AHCI RAID.

b. In the option ROM (accessed by Ctrl + F during boot) configure the hard drives as necessary.

Hard drives in a RAID array must match as to size, speed, technology (1.5 GB or 3.0 GB and NCQ or non-NCQ), and cache size.

Detailed information on configuring these systems for RAID operations is contained in the white paper “AHCI and RAID on HP Compaq dc5850 Business PCs and Using AMD Array Management Software (RAIDXpert)” available at http://www.hp.com.

 

Technical Reference Guide

www.hp.com

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HP dc5850 manual RAID 1-Mirroring with Two Hard Drives, Factory Configuration for RAID

dc5850 specifications

The HP dc5850 is a desktop computer that was designed for business environments, offering a blend of performance, reliability, and efficiency. Released during the height of the mid-2000s, this system is powered by AMD processors, particularly the Athlon or Phenom series, which ensures that it can handle various computational tasks with ease.

The dc5850 features a compact chassis that adheres to the Microtower form factor. This design not only saves space but also allows for easier upgrades and maintenance. The unit typically supports a range of RAM configurations, with options for up to 8GB of DDR2 memory. This flexibility enables the user to tailor the system's performance according to their needs, whether for basic office tasks or more demanding applications.

Storage options on the HP dc5850 include a 3.5-inch HDD that can accommodate substantial data, with capacities typically ranging from 160GB to 1TB. The inclusion of a SATA interface ensures fast data transfer rates, which is essential for improving overall system performance. Moreover, the dc5850 boasts multiple USB ports, including USB 2.0 and sometimes even USB 3.0, facilitating easy connectivity with peripherals such as printers, scanners, and external drives.

Graphics capabilities on the dc5850 are generally provided by integrated solutions, although users have the option to add discrete graphics cards for enhanced performance in visual tasks. The system often comes with integrated audio, which supports basic multimedia needs without requiring additional sound cards.

In terms of connectivity, the HP dc5850 features built-in Ethernet for wired networking and may also offer options for Wi-Fi capabilities via PCI expansion slots. This makes it suitable for networked business environments, enabling seamless integration into office infrastructures.

The system is designed with energy efficiency in mind, complying with various environmental standards, thereby reducing its carbon footprint. This aspect may also lead to lower operational costs for businesses focused on sustainability.

Overall, the HP dc5850 stands out as a versatile desktop solution, catering to the essential needs of small to medium-sized businesses. With its combination of performance, expandability, and energy efficiency, it remains a noteworthy choice for users seeking reliable computing power in a compact and manageable form.