FastTrak SX4300, SX8300 User Manual

For Windows 2000, XP and 2003 Server, Promise recommends a clean install of the Operating System. This action restores the MBR and OS boot record. This requires repartitioning and formatting the drive.

Promise Windows driver does not appear in Device Manager

Windows may already be listing the controller under Other Devices instead of the Hard disk controllers section. In Device Manager under Other Devices to see if it lists a PCI Card or RAID Controller. If so, highlight this listing and click on the Properties button then click on the Driver tab.

Depending on your version of Windows, choose either Change Driver or Update Driver. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete installation of the driver. If Windows asks if you want to test if the device can be removed safely, click on CANCEL. Reboot the system to complete installation of the driver.

“Inaccessible Boot Device” message appears during floppyless installation of Windows

You did not press the F6 key at the appropriate time. Reboot the system, and press the F6 key when the message Press F6 if you need to install third party SCSI or RAID driver? appears.

“No Hard Drives Found” message appears during CD-ROM installation of Windows

You did not press the F6 key at the appropriate time. Reboot the system, and press the F6 key when the message Press F6 if you need to install third party SCSI or RAID driver appears.

Performance Tips

Here are some tips that may optimize performance in a RAID 0 striped array. If you are using an audio/video-editing card, we also recommend reviewing your card?s documentation for additional information.

Use a FastTrak array as D: or other non-bootable drive in a Striped Array

For Audio/Video editing, keep the original system boot drive on the standard IDE controller as C: drive. Partitioning software such as FDISK will see the array as one physical drive, D: or later. This will prevent file fragmentation and provide better accessibility to the array.

Re-Configure PCI Latency Setting

The PCI Latency setting appears in some Motherboard BIOS. The setting governs how much time is allocated to service each PCI slot. Promise recommends a value of 64. An optimal value will vary from system to system.

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Promise Technology SX4300, SX8300 user manual Performance Tips, Promise Windows driver does not appear in Device Manager

SX8300, 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.