Replacing a Failed Controller that Contains Data in the Intel® RAID Portable Cache Module 2

The Intel® RAID Portable Cache Module 2 (AXXRPCM2) is a cache memory module with an integrated battery pack. The module provides an uninterrupted power source to the module if power is unexpectedly interrupted while cached data is still present. If the power failure is the result of the RAID Controller SRCSAS18E itself failing, then the Intel® RAID Portable Cache Module 2 can be moved to a new controller and the data recovered. The replacement controller must have a cleared configuration.

Perform the following steps to replace a failed controller with data in the transportable battery backup unit.

1.Power-down the system and drives.

2.Remove the failed controller from the system.

3.Remove the Intel® RAID Portable Cache Module 2 from the failed controller.

4.Insert the new Intel® RAID Portable Cache Module 2 into the replacement controller.

5.Connect the battery cable to the connector on the Intel® RAID Portable Cache Module 2,

6.Insert the replacement controller into the system.

7.Power-on the system. The controller then reads the disk configuration into NVRAM and flushes cache data to the logical drives.

Resolving a Configuration Mismatch – If the replacement controller has a previous configuration, a message displays during the power-on self-test (POST) stating that there is a configuration mismatch. A configuration mismatch occurs when the configuration data in the NVRAM and the hard disk drives are different. You need to update the configuration data in the NVRAM with the data from the hard disk drive.

Perform the following steps to resolve the mismatch.

1.Press <Ctrl> <G> when prompted during bootup to access the BIOS Configuration Utility.

2.Select Configure—>View/Add Configuration.

3.This gives you the option to view the configuration on both the NVRAM and the hard drive disk.

4.Select the configuration on disk.

5.Press <Esc> and select YES to update the NVRAM.

6.Exit and reboot.

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Intel® RAID Controller SRCSAS18E User’s Guide

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Intel manual Intel RAID Controller SRCSAS18E User’s Guide
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SRCSAS18E specifications

The Intel SRCSAS18E is a robust and high-performance storage controller card designed for data-intensive applications, primarily targeted at enterprise environments. Featuring support for both Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) and SATA drives, this controller brings an impressive array of features, technologies, and characteristics that enhance storage performance, reliability, and scalability.

One of the standout features of the SRCSAS18E is its capability to manage up to 18 drives simultaneously. This is achieved through the use of eight internal ports, which can connect to a wide range of SAS and SATA drives, enabling organizations to build a scalable storage architecture. The controller supports RAID levels 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60, providing flexibility in data management and protection strategies. This RAID functionality ensures that data can be mirrored, striped, or spread across multiple drives to enhance performance and redundancy, which is crucial for minimizing downtime.

The SRCSAS18E incorporates advanced technologies such as Intel's RAID Response Technology, which allows for enhanced data protection and recovery options. This technology facilitates faster rebuilding of arrays in the event of a drive failure, significantly reducing the risk of data loss. Additionally, the controller includes battery-backed cache memory, which helps to ensure data integrity and performance by providing temporary storage during write operations, even in case of power loss.

For seamless integration with current infrastructure, the SRCSAS18E supports PCI Express interface. It offers up to 6 Gb/s data transfer rates per port, optimizing data throughput and overall system performance. This high-speed connectivity is essential for applications that require rapid access to vast amounts of data, including virtualization and high-performance computing tasks.

The controller also features compatibility with various operating systems and server platforms, enhancing its versatility. Organizations can take advantage of plug-and-play functionality, allowing for easier deployment and management in diverse IT environments.

Furthermore, the SRCSAS18E is built with enterprise-grade reliability in mind, supporting features like thermal monitoring and advanced error correction to safeguard against hardware failures. Its ability to manage a large number of drives effectively makes it an ideal solution for data centers and enterprises looking to enhance their storage solutions while ensuring maximum uptime and data availability.

In summary, the Intel SRCSAS18E is a feature-rich storage controller well-suited for demanding environments that require reliable and efficient data management. Its combination of high performance, support for multiple RAID configurations, and robust data protection technologies makes it a valuable addition to any enterprise storage infrastructure.
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