Western Digital WD Serial ATA RAID Controller User Manual page 12

Installing the SATA RAID Controller
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IMPORTANT: This WD SATA RAID Controller supports the following installation
configurations: single drive non-RAID, RAID 1, and RAID 0. When installing a single
SATA hard drive, follow the non-RAID installation instructions in section 2 below. The
single drive install is not supported in RAID because this setup requires the simultaneous
formatting of two drives.
Back Up Your Data
Before performing any hardware installation, protect your data by backing up your existing
hard drive before installing your new WD hard drive. Most operating systems include a
backup utility. Refer to your operating system or utilities documentation for procedures.
Physical Installation
If you wish to include your current bootable SATA drive as part of a bootable Mirrored
(RAID 1) array on your WD SATA RAID Controller, you MUST install the Windows 2000,
2003 Server, or XP driver software FIRST onto this drive while it is still attached to your
existing hard drive controller (see "Installing Software Drivers" on page 15).
Each WD SATA RAID Controller supports up to two SATA hard drives. For optimal
performance, install two identical SATA drives of the same model and capacity. The drives'
matched performance allows the array to function better as a single drive. If you are striping
(RAID 0) for performance, use up to two new drives. If mirroring (RAID 1) for protection,
you can use two new drives OR use an existing drive and a new drive (the new drive must be
the same size or larger than the existing drive).
1. Power off the computer and unplug the power cord.
2. Remove the system cover (refer to your system manual for instructions).
3. Remove the inside slot cover of an available 32-bit PCI slot (or 32-bit portion of a 64-bit
PCI slot) on the motherboard.
4. Install the WD SATA RAID Controller into the open slot. Secure the bracket to the
system's frame (see Figure 1).
Figure 1. Installing the WD SATA RAID Controller
WD SERIAL ATA RAID CONTROLLER
USER MANUAL
INSTALLING THE SATA RAID CONTROLLER - 8