SUPER MICRO Computer Configuring Serial ATA RAID Functions, For X6DAT-G only, Serial ATA Sata

Appendix C: Software Installation: Adaptec's SATA HostRAID Utility

Appendix C

Software Installation: Adaptec's SATA HostRAID Utility for Marvell's 88SX6041 Chip

(*For X6DAT-G only.)

After all the hardware has been installed, you must first configure Adaptec's Serial ATA RAID Driver (*Note) before you install the Windows operating system, and other software drivers. The necessary drivers are all included on the Supermicro CDs that came packaged with your motherboard.

C-1 Configuring Serial ATA RAID Functions

Serial ATA (SATA)

Serial ATA(SATA) is a physical storage interface. It uses a single cable with a minimum of four wires to create a point-to-point connection between devices. It is a serial link which supports SATA Transfer rates up to 150MBps. Because the serial cables used in SATA are thinner than the traditional cables used in

Parallel ATA(PATA), SATA systems have better airflow and can be installed in smaller chassis than Parallel ATA. In addition, the cables used in PATA can

only extend to 40cm long, while Serial ATA cables can extend up to one meter. Overall, Serial ATA provides better functionality than Parallel ATA.

Introduction to Adaptec's Serial ATA RAID Controller

Adaptec Embedded Serial ATA RAID with HostRAID adds RAID functionality to the SATA I/O controller by supporting RAID levels 0 and 1. With HostRAID, you can optimize the reliability, performance and data protection of the system.

Adaptec's Serial ATA RAID Storage Requirements

Adaptec's device drivers and storage management software require approximately 20 MB of disk space.

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