Chapter 4: MegaRAID BIOS Configuration Utility

This section explains the two methods of initializing a virtual drive with the MegaRAID

BIOS CU.

If the FAST INIT property is enabled, fast initialization is used. In fast initialization, the MegaRAID BIOS CU quickly writes zeroes to the first and last 8 Mbyte regions of the new virtual drive.

If the FAST INIT property is not enabled, the MegaRAID BIOS CU performs a complete initialization on the virtual drive. This may take a long time if the physical disk drives are large.

First Initialization Method

Follow these steps to initialize a virtual drive using the INITIALIZE menu.

1.On the MANAGEMENT menu, select INITIALIZE.

2.Use the SPACEBAR to highlight the virtual drive to initialize.

The virtual drive name is highlighted in yellow. To deselect it, highlight the virtual drive and press the SPACEBAR again.

3.Press F10.

4.Select YES at the prompt and press ENTER to begin the initialization. A graph shows the progress of the initialization until it is complete.

5.After the initialization is complete, press ESC to return to previous menus.

If you press ESC while initialization is in progress, the following options appear:

•Stop: (Available only if AutoResume is enabled on the adapter: MANAGEMENT menu J OBJECTS J ADAPTER J AUTORESUME.) The initialization is stopped, and the CU stores the percentage of the initialization already completed. If AutoResume is enabled, and if Fast Init is not enabled, the initialization resumes where it left off when you restart it, instead of starting over from zero percent.

•Continue: The initialization continues normally.

•Abort: The initialization is completely aborted. If you restart initialization, it begins at zero percent.

Second Initialization Method

Follow these steps to initialize a virtual drive using the OBJECTS menu.

1.From the MANAGEMENT menu, select OBJECTS J VIRTUAL DRIVE, as shown in Figure 4-3.

The VIRTUAL DRIVES LIST screen appears (Figure 4-3).

4-7

Page 26 Page 28
Page 27
Image 27
SUPER MICRO Computer AOCS2308LL8E user manual First Initialization Method
Page 26 Page 28

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.
Top Page Image Contents