Adaptec SAS RAID Controllers Quick Start Manual page 4

Step 1 Install the Controller
Caution: Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage your controller. Follow
!
standard anti-ESD precautions to avoid exposing the controller to static
charge.
a
If you have a LP controller and a LP computer cabinet, replace the original
full-height bracket on the controller card with the LP bracket supplied in the
controller kit.
b
Turn off the computer and disconnect the power cord.
c
Open the cabinet. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions as needed.
d
Insert the controller into an available PCIe slot that's compatible with your
controller and secure the controller bracket to the chassis.
e
Optional—Connect your computer's disk activity LED cable to the LED
connector on your controller (not available on some models). Attach the
positive lead to pin 1.
f
Optional—Connect the controller's I2C connector (not available on some
models) to an I2C connector on an internal SAS backplane or enclosure. Use
an I2C cable (typically included with the backplane).
g
Install and connect any internal hard disk drives (HDDs) or Solid State
Drives (SSD) using the appropriate cable(s), then close the computer cabinet.
Note: To build a RAID 1, you must install two HDDs. To build a RAID 5, you
must install at least three HDDs.
h
Connect any external cables and HDDs or SSDs to the controller.
Do not attach a cable to the controller unless the other end of the cable is
●
attached to at least one drive. Doing so can cause unstable operation.
Use high-quality cables—poor quality cables degrade reliability.
●
Step 2 Create a RAID Array
RAID 1 and RAID 5 arrays are used here as an example. Create a RAID 1 if your
controller does not support RAID 5. You can create a different level array in a
similar manner.
a
Turn on the computer, then when prompted press Ctrl+A to enter the BIOS-
based configuration utility. The Menu Options screen displays.
Note: If you have more than one of the same type of controller installed,
select your controller, then press Enter.
2