FastTrak SX4300, SX8300 User Manual

How do I partition/format my FastTrak SX Series RAID logical drive?

The FastTrak Controller represents the logical drive as a single disk drive to your system. Therefore, anything that you can do to a single disk drive you can do to a FastTrak logical drive.

For example, you should use the FDISK and FORMAT utilities to partition and format the logical drive. You can format the logical drive with any file system you wish.

Installation Issues (Capacity, Booting)

How can I change the system boot sequence in order to boot from the FastTrak SX Series logical drive?

The boot sequence is controlled by the system BIOS. As far as the system BIOS is concerned, the FastTrak Controller and defined logical drives are categorized as a SCSI device. This allows you to set the boot sequence in your BIOS setup utility to boot from SCSI first, rather than IDE.

If there are multiple SCSI add-in controllers in the system, then the boot sequence among them will be determined exclusively by their PCI/PCI-X slot priority. PCI slot #1 will be first, slot #2 second, etc. Put the FastTrak Controller in the PCI-X slot where it will be accessed ahead of other SCSI controllers if you want to boot from the logical drive.

How can I change the boot sequence between a PCI SCSI card and the FastTrak SX Series RAID logical drive?

Since all PCI and PCI-X devices are PnP, it is difficult to determine which device is addressed first. Most motherboard BIOSes have advanced options that identify devices and allow you to select which device will be assigned resources first. Otherwise you may have to physically switch the device cards on the PCI/PCI-X slots so that the boot device is in the highest priority slot number (see previous question).

Post-Installation

Why can’t I see the drives on the FastTrak SX Series under FDISK?

You have not created a logical drive yet. Without a logical drive, the system will not recognize the disk drives attached to the FastTrak Controller.

How can I obtain the latest FastTrak drivers?

Download the latest drivers from the Promise Technology website at www.promise.com. Click on Support, then on Download.

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Promise Technology FASTTRAK SX4300, SX8300 user manual Installation Issues Capacity, Booting, Post-Installation

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.