Raid 0 w/ Raptors

[GagBag]

i got an asus a7n8x and im just wondering how i can setup these hd's in raid 0. im reading the manual and it talks about chunk sizes and crap. but i dont even know how or when i do this, if its before installing windows, during or what. thanks in advance

 

[shootinyou]

Follow the manual to connect drives. First you'll need to get SIL3112A drivers from MB CD.(D:\other\sil\si3112r\si3112r assuming CD drive is D)

While loading Windows you'll be prompted to press F6 to install third party raid drivers, do this and let install go. You'll be prompted later for the floppy, follow on screen instuctions, choose your SIL3112A drivers and hit enter.

Once drivers are installed (I'm a little fuzzy here)Windows may reboot, if not then reboot. After post screen you should see Raid bios screen. Your hard drives should be detected, and a message to press Ctrl-S or F4 to enter Raid utility, enter Raid utility.

Select Create Raid Set, then you'll be able to choose between Striped (Raid 0) or Mirrored (Raid 1). You'll then be able to choose Auto or Manual configuration. (Raid 0 only) Auto will choose Chunk size for you,(typically 16k chunks) while Manual lets you specify (I'd recommend either 32k or 64k chunks). When array has been created, choose yes and continue to load Windows.

I'm no expert, so you may want to wait for a second opinion.
But if I didn't over look, or leave anything out @ 3:30 AM it should work.

 

[boomerang]

Well................................, if you're creating a RAID 0 array, you're going to have to create your array first. Also choose your chunk size first. I've never heard this referred to as "chunk size", but as cluster size. But we're talking about the same thing.

If you start the OS install first, you will be copying files to your HD. If you then create your array, you will be wiping out everything you've copied. It's the same with the cluster size. Changing the cluster size on an existing array will necessitate a reinstall of your OS, programs, etc.

Boot up and enter the RAID utility using the key combination that appears on the screen. Choose performance, or RAID 0. Choose your cluster size. I would then reboot and verify the successful creation of your array.

Make sure you have the drivers for your RAID controller copied to a floppy. Boot off your XP CD. You'll be prompted to press F6 to install those drivers from the floppy. You'll be asked about partitioning, formatting, etc. Files will be copied, just as in a normal install. Keep those drivers handy, as you will most likely be prompted for them again. (Every install I have ever done has wanted them again).

You may have to play around with the boot order in the BIOS after your OS install is completed. The RAID controller will most likely be recognized as a SCSI device.

I'm no expert either, but the several RAID arrays I have set up have been done in this fashion. The best that I can remember anyway. I don't do this on a regular basis.

 

[LiLithTecH]

Shootinyou's installation instructions are correct for the
Raptor SATA drives and Windows 2k/XP.