4 Configuring Intel® Matrix Storage

Technology (RAID)

Requires Serial ATA (SATA) Hard Drives

Configuring the BIOS for Intel Matrix Storage Technology

1.Assemble your system and attach one or more SATA hard drives.

2.Enter system BIOS Setup by pressing the <F2> key after the Power-On-Self-Test (POST) memory tests begin.

3. Go to Advanced Drive Configuration Configure SATA as; ensure RAID is selected.

4. Then save your settings by pressing <F10>.

Creating Your RAID Set (for systems with more than one SATA hard drive)

1.Upon re-boot, you will see the following Intel Matrix Storage Manager option ROM status message on the screen: Press <Ctrl-I>to enter the RAID Configuration Utility. Press <Ctrl-I>and enter the RAID Configuration Utility.

2.In the Intel Matrix Storage Manager option ROM Main Menu, select option #1: Create RAID Volume. Enter a volume name and press <Enter>.

NOTE: The RAID Volume name must be in English alphanumeric ASCII characters.

3.Use the arrow keys to select RAID 0 or RAID 1 (if only two SATA drives are available), RAID 5 and RAID 10 (these options will only appear if three or four SATA drives are installed respectively). Press <Enter> once you have selected the RAID LEVEL.

4.Select the drives to be used in the RAID array (only if there are more than two drives available) and press <Enter>.

5.Select the strip size, if necessary, and press <Enter>.

6.Enter the size of the volume (if you enter less than the maximum volume size, you can then create a second RAID array on the remaining portion of your volume) and press <Enter>.

7.Finally, press <Enter> to Create Volume.

8.Exit the Option ROM user interface by pressing <Esc> or going to the EXIT option in the

MAIN MENU.

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Intel D945GPM Configuring Intel Matrix Storage Technology RAID, Configuring the Bios for Intel Matrix Storage Technology

D945GPM specifications

The Intel D945GPM is a motherboard that was designed primarily for desktop PCs and is part of Intel's 9-series chipset family. Launched in the mid-2000s, this motherboard has gained recognition for its robust performance and solid feature set for users seeking a stable and efficient computing platform.

One of the hallmark features of the D945GPM is its support for Intel's LGA 775 processor socket. This accommodates a variety of processors, including the Pentium 4, Pentium D, and the Core 2 Duo series. The motherboard supports dual-channel DDR2 memory, with a maximum capacity of 4GB, providing sufficient memory bandwidth for most basic computing tasks and multitasking needs.

The D945GPM is built on the Intel 945G chipset, which integrates the graphics controller, simplifying the motherboard's design and enhancing efficiency. The integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 allows users to perform casual gaming, video playback, and standard office applications without the need for a discrete graphics card. However, for those requiring higher 3D performance, the motherboard includes a PCI Express x16 slot, enabling the installation of dedicated graphics cards.

Additionally, the D945GPM features several connectivity options. It includes support for up to four SATA 3.0 Gb/s connections, which allows users to connect multiple hard drives or SSDs for improved data transfer rates and storage capabilities. There are also four USB 2.0 ports available, providing connectivity for peripheral devices like keyboards, mice, and external storage.

The motherboard integrates an Intel High Definition Audio subsystem, delivering clear and crisp audio quality for an enhanced multimedia experience. The Realtek ALC888 audio codec contributes to decent sound performance for gaming, movie watching, and music playback.

User-friendly features include a BIOS that supports a wide range of customization options, allowing enthusiasts to tweak and optimize performance settings. The motherboard is also equipped with multiple fan headers, enabling efficient cooling setups to maintain stable operation during intensive tasks.

Overall, the Intel D945GPM motherboard stands out for its balance of performance, features, and reliability, making it an excellent choice for basic computing, light gaming, and media consumption, reflecting the tech standards of its time.