User`s guide

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5.2 LSILogic SAS RAID(Optional)
This chapter provides information how to configure and use the components of the LSI Logic Integrated RAID
(IR) software with LSI SAS 1068/1068E controllers.
z You may need to run the SAS BIOS setup utility when:
z You want to change the default SAS controller settings for customized features.
z You intend to manage any of the attached SAS devices.
5.2.1 Introduction to Integrated RAID
This section provides an overview of the LSI Logic Integrated RAID solution for LSI Logic SAS controllers, its
features, and its benefits.
The LSI Logic Integrated RAID solution provides cost benefits for the server or workstation market where the
extra performance, storage capacity, and/or redundancy of a RAID configuration are required.
z Integrated Mirroring (IM), which provides features of RAID 1 and RAID 1E (RAID 1 Enhanced).
RAID 1E is also called Integrated Mirroring Enhanced (IME).
z Integrated Striping (IS), which provides features of RAID 0.
By simplifying the IM and IS configuration options and by providing firmware support in its host adapters, LSI
Logic can offer the Integrated RAID solution at a lower cost than a hardware RAID implementation.
Fusion-MPT™ firmware supports IM and IS volumes. You can configure IM and IS volumes together on the same
LSI Logic SAS controller.
Integrated RAID Benefits and Features
z Low cost RAID volume creation meets the needs of most internal RAID installations
z Easy to use - installation and configuration are not complex
z System can boot from an IM, IME, or IS volume
z No special OS-specific software required
z High reliability and data integrity
- Non-volatile write journaling
- Physical disks not visible to OS or to application software
z Low host CPU and PCI bus utilization
z Fusion-MPT architecture provides processing power
- Shared memory architecture minimizes external memory requests
- Functionality is contained in device hardware and firmware