Chapter 2. Getting Started With Your 3Ware Raid Controller - 3Ware 9650SE-2LPML User Manual

2
Getting Started with Your
3ware RAID Controller
16
Setting up your 3ware RAID controller involves these main steps:
• Physically Install the RAID Controller and Drives
• Configure a RAID Unit
• Install the Driver and Make the Operating System Aware of the New
Drives
• Set Up Management and Maintenance Features
Once the controller and drives have been physically installed, the order in
which you perform these steps depends in part on whether one of the units
you configure will act as your boot drive.
When you are first setting up your system, you may want to review
Tip:
"System Requirements" on page 2.
Physically Install the RAID Controller and Drives
To install your controller, follow the instructions in the installation guide that
came with your 3ware controller. If you do not have a hardcopy of the
installation manual, it is available in the "doc" folder on your 3ware CD, or
you can download it from the 3ware website at
support/userdocs.asp.
For drive installation, see the instructions that came with your 3ware Sidecar
or other external enclosure. If you are installing drives in a computer case,
follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Configure a RAID Unit
If you would like more information about what RAID level to choose for your
situation, review the information under "Understanding RAID Concepts and
Levels" on page 4. Then turn to "Configuring a New Unit" on page 91.
If you want to install the operating system on and boot from a drive managed
through the new 3ware RAID controller, use the 3ware BIOS Manager (3BM)
to define the configuration. You will find step-by-step instructions for initial
http://www.3ware.com/
3ware Serial ATA RAID Controller User Guide