16 3ware Serial ATA RAID Controller User Guide2Getting Started with Your3ware RAID ControllerSetting up your 3ware RAID controller involves these main steps:• Physically Install the Controller and Drives• Configure the RAID Unit• Install the Driver and Make the Operating System Aware of the NewDrives• Set Up Management and Maintenance FeaturesOnce the controller and drives have been physically installed, the order inwhich you perform these steps depends in part on whether one of the unitsyou configure will act as your boot drive.Tip: When you are first setting up your system, you may want to review“System Requirements” on page 2.Physically Install the Controller and DrivesTo install your controller and drives, follow the instructions in the installationguide that came with your 3ware controller. If you do not have a hardcopy ofthe installation manual, it is available in the 3ware Documentation folder onyour 3ware CD, and you can download it from the 3ware website at http://www.3ware.com/support/userdocs.asp.Configure the RAID UnitBefore configuring a RAID unit, you may want to review the informationunder “Understanding RAID Concepts and Levels” on page 3. Thisinformation will help you choose the appropriate RAID level for yoursituation. Then turn to “Configuring a New Unit” on page 96.If you want to install the operating system on and boot from a drive managedthrough the new 3ware RAID controller, use the 3ware BIOS Manager (3BM)to define the configuration. You will find step-by-step instructions for initialinstallation in. Chapter 3, “First-Time RAID Configuration Using 3BM.”Additional information about configuration is also included in the laterchapters of this user guide.
