Supermicro X5DPL-TGM, User Manual

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Appendix C: Software Installation
C-1
Appendix C
I
nstalling Software Programs and Drivers
(*Note: if you do not wish to configure onboard SATA RAID functions,
please go directly to Section C-6 on Page C-20 for Operating System
& Other Software Installation.)
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.
C-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 in
Parallel 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, 1, and 10. 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.