Chapter 4: MegaRAID BIOS Configuration Utility

4.To create a global hotspare drive, highlight a READY disk drive and press F4. Then select YES from the pop-up menu.

Make sure the capacity of the hotspare drive is equal to or larger than the capacity of the disks in the array and that it is the same type of drive (SAS or SATA).

NOTE: The hotspare drive will rebuild a failed drive even if it is SAS and the failed drive is SATA, or vice versa. Once the rebuilt is completed, however, it is recommended that you replace the new array member with a drive of the same type.

5.To define multiple arrays, select all the drives you want for the first array, then press ENTER to start selecting drives for the second array, and so on.

6.When you have selected drives for all desired arrays, press F10.

7.Press the SPACEBAR to select an array, if needed. Press F10 to continue.

8.Highlight RAID and press ENTER.

A list of the available RAID levels for the current virtual drive appears.

9.Select a RAID level for the virtual drive and press ENTER.

10.(Optional) You may also set the logical drive size by highlighting SIZE and then pressing ENTER.

The minimum valid virtual drive size is 64 Mbytes. An error will appear if you try to create a virtual drive that is smaller 64 Mbytes.

By default, all the available space in the array is to the current virtual drive. For RAID 10 arrays, only one virtual can be defined for the entire array.

11.(Optional) You may change the disks’s default Write Cache and Read Ahead policies (see Section 4-3: "Setting the Hard Disk Write Cache and Read Ahead Policies" on page 4-8).

12.When you have finished defining the current virtual drive, select ACCEPT and press

ENTER.

13.Configure additional virtual drives on the same array, if desired.

If you have created more than one array, configure a virtual drive on the second array.

14.Save the configuration when prompted, and press any key to return to the MANAGEMENT menu.

15.Initialize the new virtual drive(s). (See "Initializing Virtual Drives" on page 4-6for detailed instructions.)

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SUPER MICRO Computer AOCS2308LL8E user manual MegaRAID Bios Configuration Utility

AOCS2308LL8E specifications

Supermicro, a renowned leader in high-performance computing solutions, has introduced the AOC-S2308LL8E, a powerful SAS (Serial Attached SCSI) controller card designed to enhance storage performance and capability in enterprise systems. This cutting-edge controller provides exceptional functionality for organizations looking to handle large volumes of data efficiently.

The AOC-S2308LL8E features the LSI SAS2308 dual-core processor, which supports 12Gb/s data transfer rates, ensuring swift and reliable connections to storage devices. With its eight internal SAS/SATA ports, this controller card facilitates the connection of multiple drives, allowing for increased data throughput and redundancy, which are essential for critical applications such as database management and virtualization.

One of the standout characteristics of the AOC-S2308LL8E is its compatibility with both SAS and SATA drives. This flexibility allows organizations to choose between high-performance SAS drives or more economical SATA drives based on their specific storage requirements. The controller supports a wide array of RAID levels, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60, providing users with the ability to select configurations that enhance data integrity and availability.

Additionally, the card is designed with an advanced cache memory that optimizes data access times, further enhancing overall performance. The AOC-S2308LL8E also features a low-profile form factor, making it suitable for various server chassis configurations, even in space-constrained environments.

In terms of connectivity, the AOC-S2308LL8E is equipped with dual mini-SAS connectors, enabling seamless connectivity to multiple storage devices. With support for a high number of simultaneous I/O operations, this controller card is well-suited for tasks requiring substantial bandwidth, like large-scale data processing and analytics.

Moreover, Supermicro's AOC-S2308LL8E comes with robust management and monitoring features, ensuring that users can maintain optimal performance levels while responding proactively to any potential issues. Built-in support for advanced error recovery techniques helps guarantee data integrity, a feature critical in any enterprise setting.

To summarize, the Supermicro AOC-S2308LL8E is an ideal solution for businesses looking to enhance their storage capabilities. With its combination of high data transfer rates, RAID support, compatibility with various storage drive types, and advanced management features, the AOC-S2308LL8E stands out as a reliable choice for maximizing performance in demanding environments. Organizations investing in this controller will benefit from its efficiency, reliability, and scalability, crucial for future-proofing their IT infrastructure.