This document is a guide to SATA hard disk installation and RAID configuration, providing instructions on how to install SATA hard disks and configure RAID functions.
About this manual
The guide provides step‑by‑step instructions for installing Serial ATA (SATA) hard disks on a motherboard with the Intel X79 chipset and for setting up various RAID configurations. It covers RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10 and Intel Rapid Storage, including precautions and recommended drive setups.
It details BIOS configuration, creation of RAID volumes, stripe‑size selection, Windows installation with RAID enabled, and how to delete RAID volumes. The document also includes warnings, backup recommendations, and references to additional support files on the accompanying CD.
What's inside
- Serial ATA (SATA) Hard Disks Installation
- RAID Configurations
- RAID Configuration Precautions
- Installing Windows with RAID Functions
- Setting the BIOS RAID Items
- Configuring the Intel RAID BIOS
- Creating RAID Volume
- Deleting RAID Volumes
Specifications
| Number of SATA Channels | Four independent SATA channels |
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| Minimum Drives for RAID 10 | Four hard disk drives |
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| Minimum Drives for RAID 5 | Three hard disk drives |
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| Stripe Size Options | 8 KB to 128 KB |
Frequently asked questions
How do I set the SATA operation mode to RAID in the BIOS?
Enter the BIOS setup utility, go to the Advanced screen, and set the "SATA Operation Mode" option to [RAID].
How can I create a RAID volume?
After pressing Ctrl+I at the RAID prompt, select "Create RAID Volume", choose a name, RAID level, and stripe size, then confirm the settings to complete the setup.
Can I delete an existing RAID volume?
Yes, select the "Delete RAID Volume" option in the RAID utility and follow the on‑screen instructions.
What stripe size should I use for typical disk usage?
A stripe size of 64 KB is recommended for typical disk usage.