Appendix D: The Adaptec HostRAID Setup Guidelines

The Adaptec Embedded Serial ATA with HostRAID Controller Driver

The Adaptec Embedded Serial ATA RAID Controller adds SATA/RAID functional- ity and performance enhancements to a motherboard. RAID striping (RAID 0) allows data to be written across multiple drives, greatly improving hard disk I/O performance. RAID mirroring (RAID 1) allows data to be simultaneously written to two drives, improving data security even if a single hard disk fails. A Stripe of Mir- rors (RAID 10) provides multiple RAID 1 mirrors and a RAID 0 stripe, maximizing data security and system effi ciency. By incorporating the Adaptec Embedded Serial ATA into the motherboard design, Supermicro's X7DB8/X7DBE offers the user the benefi ts of SATARAID without the high costs associated with hardware RAID applications.

Using the Adaptec RAID Configuration Utility (ARC)

The Adaptec RAID Confi guration Utility, an embedded BIOS Utility, includes the following:

*Array Confi guration Utility: Use this utility to create, confi gure and manage ar- rays.

* Disk Utilities: Use this option to format or verify disks.

To run the Adaptec RAID Confi guration Utility, you will need to do the following:

1.Enable RAID functions in the system BIOS (refer to Chapter 4 for System BIOS Confi gurations).

2.Press the <Ctrl> and <A> keys simultaneously when prompted to do so during system boot. (Refer to the previous page for detailed instructions.)

A. Using the Array Configuration Utility (ACU)

When you press <Ctrl> and <A> keys simultaneously at the prompt during sys- tem bootup, the main menu will appear.

(*Note: To select an option, use the arrow keys to highlight the item and then press the <Enter> key to select it. To return to the previous menu, press the <ESC> key. Press the <Insert> key to select a drive. When a drive is highlighted (selected), press the <Delete> key to de-select it.)

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SUPER MICRO Computer X7DB8, X7DBE user manual Adaptec Embedded Serial ATA with HostRAID Controller Driver

X7DB8, X7DBE specifications

Super Micro Computer, a global leader in high-performance server and storage solutions, has developed a range of advanced server motherboards, among which the X7DBE and X7DB8 stand out for their robust performance and versatility. Designed for data-intensive applications, these motherboards cater to various markets, including cloud computing, enterprise data centers, and video surveillance.

The X7DBE motherboards are built on the Intel 5000 series chipset and support dual Intel Xeon processors, which provide exceptional processing power for demanding applications. With a maximum memory capacity of 64GB, these motherboards cater to memory-intensive workloads, making them ideal for virtualization and database applications. The X7DBE supports both ECC (Error-Correcting Code) and non-ECC memory, enhancing system reliability and data integrity.

In terms of storage, the X7DBE is equipped with multiple 3.5-inch SATA hard drive bays that allow for substantial data storage capabilities. Additionally, it includes integrated RAID support, enabling users to configure their storage environment for optimal performance and redundancy. The advanced thermal management technology ensures efficient cooling, promoting system stability and longevity even under heavy workloads.

The X7DB8, on the other hand, takes performance a notch higher by providing support for the latest Intel processors and offering enhanced features geared toward high-performance computing. Like the X7DBE, it supports dual processors but extends capability for larger memory configurations, allowing up to 128GB of DDR2 memory. This flexibility makes the X7DB8 an excellent choice for mission-critical applications requiring immense processing power.

Both motherboards come equipped with multiple PCI Express slots, enabling the installation of add-on cards for tasks such as enhanced graphics, additional network interfaces, or dedicated storage controllers, thus providing scalability to meet the growing demands of modern applications. Network connectivity is robust, with several Gigabit Ethernet ports ensuring high-speed data transfer.

In conclusion, Super Micro's X7DBE and X7DB8 motherboards exemplify the perfect blend of performance, scalability, and reliability. With their support for advanced technologies and their ability to handle high workloads, they are ideal solutions for businesses seeking to optimize their server infrastructure. As technology continues to evolve, these motherboards remain pertinent, providing a solid foundation for various applications and future advancements.