Chapter 6: Troubleshooting & Tips

Motherboard Issues, below

Operating System-Related Issues,

• System CMOS Issues, page 52

 

page 53

 

 

Drive-Related Errors, page 52

Performance Tips, page 54

 

 

This section is used to assist with troubleshooting conflicts and FastTrak SX4300 or SX8300 installation problems. Also refer to the README.TXT file on the FastTrak driver and utility diskette for more recent information as well as the PromiseOnline services listed in Chapter 7.

The section is divided into the following categories: Motherboard Issues, System CMOS Issues, Drive Errors, Operating System Errors, and Audio/Video Editing Tips.

Motherboard Issues

Freeing additional IRQ resources

Since the Promise card supports PCI Interrupt sharing, it is possible to use IRQs already assigned to another PCI card. Interrupt Sharing is not supported with onboard IDE controllers. If the onboard IDE controller(s) are not used, you may disable the controllers to free IRQ 14 and/or 15.

Configuring PCI IRQ resources

Setting the IRQ for a particular PCI slot will be different depending on the motherboard BIOS. This setting is usually made in the PCI Configuration and/or Plug and Play (PnP) section of the motherboard BIOS setup. There are three common methods that motherboard BIOS?s handle assignment of IRQs to PCI slots:

Specifically assigning an IRQ to a particular slot - You can tell the motherboard to use IRQ 10 for PCI slot 1, IRQ 11 for PCI slot 2, etc.

Listing which IRQs are available to be assigned to the PCI slots – This BIOS has an option where you specify 1st Available IRQ, 2nd Available IRQ, etc. The BIOS then scans the PCI slots for PCI cards and assigns these IRQs in the order that it finds the PCI cards.

Excluding an IRQ from being used by a PCI slot – If you have an ISA card that is using an IRQ, change the setting for this particular IRQ from Available to Used by ISA card so that the motherboard will not assign this IRQ to a PCI slot.

Consult your motherboard manual for information that is specific to your motherboard.

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Promise Technology SX8300, FASTTRAK SX4300 user manual Troubleshooting & Tips, Motherboard Issues

SX8300, FASTTRAK SX4300 specifications

Promise Technology has established itself as a leader in data storage solutions, particularly with its cutting-edge SX4300 and SX8300 series. These enterprise-grade solutions cater to businesses seeking high-performance, reliable, and scalable storage systems.

The Promise SX4300 and SX8300 are built around the M.2 NVMe interface, providing exceptional data transfer speeds and low latency, which are crucial for applications requiring rapid data access. Both models leverage PCIe Gen 3 technology, ensuring that they can handle the demands of modern workloads with ease, whether in cloud storage, media production, or enterprise databases.

One of the standout features of the SX4300 is its ability to support up to four NVMe M.2 SSDs. This configuration allows for impressive storage capacities ranging from 3.2TB to 12.8TB. It also includes advanced features like parity RAID for data redundancy, safeguarding against drive failures and ensuring data integrity. The SX4300 is particularly well-suited for users looking for a compact solution that does not compromise on performance.

In contrast, the SX8300 takes performance a step further with support for up to eight NVMe M.2 SSDs. This expansion allows for scalable storage solutions tailored to the evolving needs of growing enterprises. The SX8300 also implements advanced cooling technologies that prevent thermal throttling during intense operations, thus maintaining optimal performance across extended periods.

Both models support Promise Technology’s proprietary RAID management software which simplifies configuration and monitoring. Users can easily manage their storage environments, enhancing performance and monitoring the health of their drives in real time. Additionally, these devices are designed to be compatible with a wide range of operating systems, making them versatile solutions for various IT infrastructures.

Regarding connectivity, the SX4300 and SX8300 provide robust options, ensuring high availability for mission-critical applications. Their compact, rack-mounted design promotes effective space utilization in data centers, adhering to modern IT demands for efficiency.

In summary, Promise Technology's SX4300 and SX8300 series deliver exceptional performance, scalability, and reliability, making them ideal choices for enterprises looking to enhance their storage capabilities. With advanced RAID technology, immense storage capacity, and easy-to-use management software, these systems are positioned to meet the high demands of today’s data-intensive environments. Choosing between the SX4300 and SX8300 ultimately depends on the required capacity and scalability needs, but both models exemplify Promise Technology’s commitment to innovation in data storage solutions.