Appendix D: Software Installation: Adaptec's SATA HostRAID Utility
D-1
Appendix D
Software Installation: Adaptec's SATA
HostRAID Utility for 4-port SATA Controller
(*For X6DAL-TB2 only.)
After all the hardware has been installed, you must first configure Adaptec's
Serial ATA RAID Driver (*Note) before you install the Windows operating
system, and other software drivers. The necessary drivers are all
i n c l u d e d o n t h e S u p e r m i c r o C D s t h a t c a m e p a c k a g e d w i t h y o u r
motherboard.
D-1 Configuring Serial ATA RAID Functions
Serial ATA (SATA)
Serial ATA(SATA) is a physical storage interface. It uses a single cable with a
minimum of four wires to create a point-to-point connection between devices.
It is a serial link which supports SATA Transfer rates up to 150MBps. Because
the serial cables used in SATA are thinner than the traditional cables used
inParallel ATA(PATA), SATA systems have better airflow and can be installed
in smaller chassis than Parallel ATA. In addition, the cables used in PATA can
only extend to 40cm long, while Serial ATA cables can extend up to one meter.
Overall, Serial ATA provides better functionality than Parallel ATA.
Introduction to Adaptec's Serial ATA RAID Controller
Adaptec Embedded Serial ATA RAID with HostRAID adds RAID
functionality to the SATA I/O controller by supporting RAID levels 0 and 1.
With HostRAID, you can optimize the reliability, performance and data
protection of the system.
Adaptec's Serial ATA RAID Storage Requirements
Adaptec's device drivers and storage management software require
approximately 20 MB of disk space.
