How to create a RAID array for the first time using the Bios
Procedure Steps
Before building an array, it is important to understand volume limits and how these limits relate to your operating system. For more information, refer to http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc773268%28v=ws.10%29.aspx
- Turn the unit on.
- To access the RAID configuration utility, press the 'Ctrl' + 'A' keys at the Bios.
IMPORTANT: If you have a 3U-16 Chassis, there are two RAID cards, one for the operating system and one for the storage drives. DO NOT access the RAID card for the operating system; only access the storage drive's RAID card. Accessing the RAID card for the operating system can cause a serious system failure. If your unit is a dual RAID card machine, wait until you see the list of storage drives (i.e. more than one) before pressing the 'Ctrl' + 'A' keys. - Once the configuration is loaded, navigate using the arrow keys to the 'Create Array' tab.
- Press the 'Insert' key to select the drives you would like to include in this array (this is usually all of the drives in the unit except for the operating system). Press 'Enter' to move the selected drives into the array.
- Select which type of RAID configuration you would like use. RAID 5 is the most common.
- Name the array.
- For Stripe Size, select 64K for the best performance.
- For Read Caching, select Enable.
- For Write caching, select Disable.
- Select RAID via BUILD/VERIFY to create the new RAID array.
The QUICK format option is not recommended. - Wait until the array build is completed before starting the operating system.
- Import the new array as GUID Partition Tape to allow for drive volumes larger than 2TB in Windows Server 2008.
Applies To
Hybrid Recorder; LDVR (All versions); LNVR (All versions); Windows Server 2003; Windows Server 2008; Windows Server 2008 R2; Windows Vista; Windows XP; Windows 7
