Use the IBM ServeRAID Configuration Utility program, Adaptec RAID ConfigurationUtility program, and ServeRAID Manager to configure and manage redundant arrayof independent disks (RAID). Be sure to use these programs as described in thisdocument.The ServeRAID 8k-l SAS Controller that comes with the server (hot-swap SAS andhot-swap SATA models) enables you to configure multiple physical SAS or SATAhard disk drives to operate as logical drives in a disk array. The server comes witha CD containing the ServeRAID Manager program, which you can use to configurethe ServeRAID 8k-l SAS Controller. If your server comes with an operating systeminstalled, such as Microsoft Windows 2000 Datacenter Server, see the softwaredocumentation that comes with the server for configuration information.Use these programs to perform the following tasks:v Perform a low-level format on a hard disk drivev View or change IDs for attached devicesv Set protocol parameters on hard disk drivesv Monitor operation of the RAID controllerv Configure a redundant array of independent disks (RAID) arrayv View or change the RAID configuration and associated devicesConsider the following information when using the RAID configuration programs toconfigure and manage arrays:v The integrated SATA controller (simple-swap SATA models) with integrated SATARAID (also known as HostRAID) supports RAID level-0 and level-1 when twodrives are installed. When the maximum four drives are installed, RAID level-10is also supported.Note: In addition, when the maximum four drives and the optional ServeRAID-8kController are installed in the simple-swap SATA models, the server can alsosupport RAID level-5. See “Installing the ServeRAID-8k adapter” on page 136 fordetails about installing and cabling the ServeRAID-8k Controller to enable RAIDlevel-5 support on simple-swap SATA models.v The onboard SAS/SATA controller (hot-swap SAS and hot-swap SATA models)supports RAID level-0 and level-1 when two drives and the ServeRAID 8k-lcontroller are installed. When four drives are installed, RAID level-10 is alsosupported. When you upgrade to the maximum eight drives and the optionalServeRAID-8k controller is installed, RAID levels 1e, 5, and 6 also are supported.v Hard disk drive capacities affect how you create arrays. The drives in an arraycan have different capacities, but the RAID controller treats them as if they allhave the capacity of the smallest hard disk drive.v To help ensure signal quality, do not mix drives with different speeds and datarates.v To update the firmware and BIOS code for an optional ServeRAID controller, youmust use the IBM ServeRAID Support CD that comes with the ServeRAIDoption.v If you install a different type of RAID controller in the server, use the method thatis described in the instructions that come with the controller to view or changesettings for attached devices.Chapter 5. Configuration information and instructions 167
