Chapter 8. Configuring Units
108
3ware Serial ATA RAID Controller User Guide
Enabling and Disabling the Unit Write Cache
Write cache is used to store data locally in memory on the drive before it is
written to the disk drive media, allowing the computer to continue with its
next task. This improves performance. However, there may be instances when
you want the computer to wait for the drive to write all the data to disk before
going on to its next task. In this case, you must disable the write cache.
Write cache can be turned on or off for individual units in both 3DM and 3BM
without changing the configuration or losing data from the drives.
If you have a BBU (Battery Backup Unit) installed on the controller, the
battery preserves the contents of the controller cache memory for a limited
period of time (up to 72 hours) in the event of a system power loss. When a
BBU is installed, if the battery is not “Ready,” write cache is disabled and
cannot be enabled.
The unit's StorSave profile can also determine whether the write cache can be
enabled or disabled. A warning message will be given if the change is not
permitted due to the StorSave setting and the state of the unit.
To enable or disable unit write cache through 3DM
1
Choose
Management > Controller Settings
from the menu bar in 3DM.
2
In the
Unit Policies
section of the Controller Settings page, check the
Write Cache box to enable it for the designated unit.
The page refreshes, and a message at the top confirms the change you
have made.
If your system has no BBU, a message will caution you about enabling
write cache.
Note:
If write cache is enabled, in the event of a power failure, the data in the write
cache will be lost if you do not have a Battery Backup Unit (BBU).To avoid a sudden
power failure if you do not have a BBU, it is advisable to have an Uninterruptable
Power Supply (UPS).
Note:
If the
Write Cache
checkbox is disabled (not selectable), check to see if the
unit has degraded. If a unit has a StorSave policy of “Protect” and the unit degrades,
the policy prevents write cache from being re-enabled until the unit has been rebuilt.
