RAID level 1 uses a data-redundancy storage technique known as mirroring to enhance data integrity. When data is written to the primary drive, the data is

also duplicated, or mirrored, on the second drive in the configuration. A RAID level 1 configuration sacrifices high data-access rates for its data redundancy

advantages.

If a drive failure occurs, subsequent read and write operations are directed to the surviving drive. A replacement drive can then be rebuilt using the data from

the surviving drive.

NOTE:

In a RAID level 1 configuration, the size of the configuration is equal to the size of the smallest drive in the configuration.

Configuring Your Hard Drives for RAID

Your computer can be configured for RAID, even if you did not select a RAID configuration when the computer was purchased. For an explanation of RAID levels

and their requirements, see

About RAID

Installing a Hard Drive

for your desktop computer.

You can use one of two methods to configure RAID hard drive volumes. The first method uses the NVIDIA MediaShield ROM utility and is performed before you

install the operating system onto the hard drive. The second method uses NVIDIA MediaShield and is performed after you have installed the operating system

and NVIDIA RAID drivers.Both methods require that you set your computer to RAID-enabled mode before you begin.

Setting Your Computer to RAID-Enabled Mode

1. Enter system setup (see

Entering System

2. Press the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight Drives, then press <Enter>.

3. Press the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight the applicable SATA drive, then press <Enter>.

4. Press the left- and right-arrow keys to highlight RAID On, and then press <Enter>. Repeat the process, as needed, for each SATA hard drive.

NOTE:

For more information about RAID options, see

5. Press <Esc>, press the left- and right-arrow keys to highlight Save/Exit, and then press <Enter> to exit system setup and resume the boot process.

Using the NVIDIA MediaShield ROM Utility

NOTICE:

The following procedure will result in the loss of all data on your hard drive(s). Back up any data you want to keep before continuing.

NOTE:

Do not use the following procedure to migrate an existing RAID configuration. See

Configuration.

Hard drives of any size may be used to create a RAID configuration. Ideally, however, the drives should be of equal size to avoid unallocated or unused space.

For an explanation of RAID levels and their requirements, see

Drive

for your mini tower computer or

1. Enable RAID for each applicable hard drive on your computer (see

2. Restart the computer.

Configurations. For information on how to install a hard drive, see

Setup).

System Setup

About RAID

Installing a Hard Drive

for your desktop computer.

Options.