Barracuda 18LP FC Installation Guide, Rev. A | 23 |
Enabling write cache
Write caching is a feature that allows the drive to transfer write data to its own cache, tell the controller that the task is complete, and then actually complete the write at a later time. This improves write performance by freeing the CPU to go on to its next command.
Warning. Information can be lost if you enable write cache and there is a system failure (for example, power failure) before the data has actually been physically written to the disc.
OEM drives are shipped with write cache disabled by default to enhance data integrity. If you want to enable the write cache, refer to your system’s drive controller and software utility docu- mentation. Seagate provides an ASPI utility that you can use in a PC compatible system to enable the write cache. It is available on Seagate’s web site (refer to “Seagate Technology support services” on page 8).
Connecting remote LEDs
You can connect remote LEDs using J6 (see Figure 4).
Connect the anode (usually the longer LED connector) to the +5V pin, and the cathode to the appropriate LED output pin. For example, if you want to attach an LED which indicates drive activity, connect the LED’s anode connector to J6 pin 11 and the cathode to J6 pin 12 or connect to J6 pin 8 through an appropri- ate external
Note. The LED is on when the drive is idle and off when the drive is processing commands.
