H8QM8-2/H8QME-2 User's Manual
2-10 Enabling SATA RAID
Serial ATA (SATA)
Serial ATA (SATA) is a physical storage interface that employs a single cable with
aminimum of four wires to create a point-to-point connection between devices. This connection is a serial link. The serial cables used in SATA are thinner than the traditional cables used in Parallel ATA (PATA) and can extend up to one meter in length, compared to only 40 cm for PATA cables. Overall, SATA provides better functionality than PATA.
Installing the OS/SATA Driver
Before installing the OS (operating system) and SATA RAID driver, you must decide if you wish to have the operating system installed as part of a bootable RAID array or installed to a separate non-RAID hard drive. If on a separate drive, you may install the driver either during or after the OS installation. If you wish to have the OS on a SATA RAID array, you must follow the procedure below and install the driver during the OS installation.
Note: the SATA RAID driver is supported by Windows 2000 and XP only.
Building a Driver Diskette
You must first build a driver diskette from the CD-ROM that was included with the system. (You will have to create this disk on a computer that is already running and with the OS installed.) Insert the CD into your CD-ROM drive and start the system. A display as shown in Figure 2-5 will appear. Click on the icon labeled "Build Driver Diskettes and Manuals" and follow the instructions to create a floppy disk with the driver on it. Once it's been created, remove the floppy and insert the installation CD for the Windows Operating System you wish to install into the CD-ROM drive of the new system you are about to configure.
Enabling SATA RAID in the BIOS
Before installing the Windows Operating System, you must change some settings in BIOS. Boot up the system and hit the <Del> key to enter the BIOS Setup Utlility. After the Setup Utility loads,
1.Use the arrow keys to move to the Exit menu. Scroll down with the arrow keys to the "Load Optimal Defaults setting and press <Enter>. Select "OK" to confirm, then <Enter> to load the default settings.
