American Megatrends X6DVA-EG - Manual (Page 89)

Appendix C: Software Installation Instructions
C-3
Using the Adaptec RAID Configuration Utility (ARC)
The Adaptec RAID Configuration Utility is an embedded BIOS Utility,
including:
*Array Configuration Utility: Use this utility when you want to create,
configure and manage arrays.
* Disk Utilities: Use this option to format or verify disks.
To run the Adaptec RAID Configuration Utility, you will need to enable the
RAID function in the system BIOS (refer to Chapter 4 for System BIOS
Configurations), and then, press the <Ctrl> and <A> keys simultaneously
when prompted to do so during the system startup. (Refer to the previ-
ous page for detailed instructions.)
(*Note: To select an option, use the arrow keys to highlight the item and
then press the <Enter> key to select it. To return to the previous menu,
press the <ESC> key.)
A. Using the Array Configuration Utility (ACU)
The Array Configuration Utility (ACU) enables you to create, manage, and
delete arrays from the controller’s BIOS, add and delete spare drives, and
initialize drives. During the system startup, press <Ctrl> and <A> key
simultaneously, and the main menu will appear.
The Adaptec Embedded Serial ATA with HostRAID Con-
troller Driver
Adaptec's Embedded Serial ATA RAID with HostRAID controller adds RAID
functionality to the Serial ATA I/O controller by supporting RAID 0
(Striping) or RAID 1 (Mirroring) to enhance the industry's pioneer PCI-to-e
host controller products. RAID striping (RAID 0) can greatly improve hard
disk I/O performance because of its capability in striping data across
multiple drives. RAID mirroring (RAID 1) allows the data to be simulta-
neously written to two drives, so critical data is always available even if
a single hard disk fails. Due to the built-in functionality, the X6DVA-4G/
X6DVA-EG is specially designed to keep pace with the increasing
performance demands of computer systems by improving disk I/O
throughput and providing data accessibility regardless of a single disk
failure. By incorporating the Adaptec Embedded Serial ATA into the
motherboard design, Supermicro's X6DVA-4G/X6DVA-EG offers the user
with the benefits of SATARAID without the high costs associated with
hardware RAID applications.
(*Note: For Adaptec's RAID Driver Installation Instructions, please refer to
the Adaptec RAID Controller User's Guide: "Emb_SA_RAID_UG.pdf" in the
CD that came with this motherboard. You can also download a copy of
Adaptec's User's Guide from our web site at www.supermicro.com.)