Western Digital WD Serial ATA RAID Controller User manual

WD
SATA RAID Controller Card
User Manual
Information furnished by WD is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, no responsibility is assumed by WD for its use nor for
any infringement of patents or other rights of third parties which may result from its use. No license is granted by implication or
otherwise under any patent or patent rights of WD. WD reserves the right to change specifications at any time without notice.
© 2005 Western Digital Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.
Western Digital is a registered trademark; and WD, the WD logo, and EasyBuild are trademarks of Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
Other marks may be mentioned herein that belong to other companies.
2779-001008-A01 Sep 2005

TABLE OF CONTENTS - i
Table of Contents
1 Introduction/Getting Started
5 Disk Array Concepts
About the WD SATA RAID Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Disk Array Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
About RAID Levels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
8 Installing the Serial ATA RAID Controller
10 Creating a Disk Array
Creating a Single SATA Non-RAID Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Creating an Array for Performance (RAID 0) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Creating a Security Array with Two New Drives (RAID 1 recommended) 12
Creating a Security Array with an Existing Data Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Creating a Security Array with Quick Initialization. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
15 Installing Software Drivers
New Windows Server 2003 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Existing Windows Server 2003 Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Confirming Windows 2003 Server Driver Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
New Windows XP Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Existing Windows XP Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Confirming Windows XP Driver Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
New Windows 2000 Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Existing Windows 2000 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Confirm Windows 2000 Driver Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
19 EasyBuild Options and Features
Viewing Drive Array Assignments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Deleting An Array. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Rebuilding a Mirrored Array. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Reserve Sector Implementation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Gigabyte Boundary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
25 Troubleshooting & Tips
Motherboard Issues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
System CMOS Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Drive-Related Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Operating System-Related Issues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Performance Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

TABLE OF CONTENTS - ii
30 Frequently Asked Questions
Pre-Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Drive Issues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Installation Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Post-Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
34 Appendix A: Regulatory Compliance
FCC Class B Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
CSA Notice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
CE Compliance For Europe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
35 Appendix B: Warranty Information
Obtaining Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
1 Year Limited Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
36 Appendix C: WD Service and Support

WD SERIAL ATA RAID CONTROLLER
INTRODUCTION/GETTING STARTED - 1
USER MANUAL
Introduction/Getting Started
Thank you for purchasing a WD SATA RAID Controller. This installation manual provides
instructional steps and information to make the installation process of your new WD SATA
Controller as quick and easy as possible.
The WD (WD) SATA (SATA) RAID Controller is a cost-effective, high performance RAID
controller that adds performance and reliability to PC desktops and/or servers using SATA
drives.
The WD SATA RAID Controller has two independent data channels to support a maximum
of two SATA drives per card. The WD SATA RAID Controller supports:
!Striping (RAID 0) - Identical drives can read and write data in parallel to increase
performance.
!Mirroring (RAID 1) - Mirroring increases read performance through load balancing and
elevator sorting while creating a complete backup of your files.
A WD SATA RAID Controller striped array can double the sustained data transfer rate of
SATA drives.
The WD SATA RAID Controller offers fault tolerant, data redundancy for entry-level
network file servers or simply for desktop PC users wanting to continually protect valuable
data on their PC. Each model offers RAID 1 mirroring (for two drives).
Should a drive that is part of a mirrored array fail, the WD SATA RAID Controller uses the
mirrored drive (which contains identical data) to assume all data handling. When a new
replacement drive is later installed, WD SATA RAID Controller rebuilds data to the new
drive from the mirrored drive to restore fault tolerance.
The WD SATA RAID Controller bootable BIOS supports individual drives larger than 137
GB. With FAT32 and NTFS partitioning, the array can be addressed as one large single
volume.
WD Array Management Software
The WD Array Management Software offers local and remote management as well as
monitoring of all WD arrays that exist anywhere on a network. Windows-based GUI provides
e-mail notification of all major events/alarms, memory cache management, logging for
Windows 2000 servers, array maintenance, rebuild, and access to all components in array
(server, controller, data channels, individual drives, and enclosure). For information on using
WD Array Management, refer to the WD Array Management Software User Manual,
available from support.wdc.com.
1

WD SERIAL ATA RAID CONTROLLER
INTRODUCTION/GETTING STARTED - 2
USER MANUAL
Key Features and Benefits
The following information offers an overview of the major features of your new WD SATA
RAID Controller.
Advanced Hardware Design
Features Benefits
Supports 66 MHz PCI bus motherboards
(automatically backward compatible with
33 MHz PCI slots)
Allows maximum data transfers of up to 266 MB per second (133
MB/s in 33 MHz slot) over the bus to dramatically reduce the time
to save and retrieve large files.
Supports:
data striping (RAID 0) and mirroring (RAID 1)
Provides dramatic increase in drive performance and/or fault
tolerant options. Offers performance customization and data
rebuilds from the BIOS menu.
Supports SATA Specification Burst data transfer rates up to 150 MB/sec from SATA drives to
boost overall system performance.
Independent data channels for SATA drives Drives can multiply their data transfer performance when striped
together and each drive uses a separate data channel.
PCI Plug-n-Play, PCI Interrupt sharing and
coexists with motherboard IDE and SCSI
controllers
Easy to install; supports two SATA drives while still supporting
four devices on the motherboard ATA controller.
Supports IDE bus master operation Allows multitasking during disk transfers that increase CPU
efficiency. The CPU is free to process tasks during IDE data
transfers through the PCI Bus to/from system memory.
Utilizes EasyBuild™ automenu from the WD
SATA controllerplus onboard BIOS
Has "Auto Setup" option for quick and easy array builds.
Displays status and error checking messages
during boot
Notifies user of possible errors and allows for recovery of mirrored
drive arrays directly from EasyBuild.
Employs the latest PCI SATA ASIC technology Fully supports SATA specifications with 150 MB/sec timing and
CRC error-checking at high speeds.
Mirroring supports automatic background
rebuilds
Fault tolerance can be restored automatically without rebooting.

WD SERIAL ATA RAID CONTROLLER
INTRODUCTION/GETTING STARTED - 3
USER MANUAL
Compatibility
Kit Contents
!WD SATA RAID Controller
!SATA RAID Controller device drivers diskette
!SATA RAID Controller software utility CD
!Quick Install Guide
Operating Systems
The following operating systems are supported:
!Windows®2003 Server
!Windows XP
!Windows 2000
System Requirements
Pentium-class system with an available 32-bit PCI expansion slot (2.2- or 2.3-compliant) or
32-bit portion of a 64-bit PCI slot.
Features Benefits
Compliant with PCI v2.3 Local Bus standard Provides highest level of hardware compatibility.
Compliant with SATA Specification 1.0 Provides full compatibility with first generation SATA hard drives.
Compliant with PCI Bus Master standard. PCI
Bus Master support
Provides 32-bit I/O, Bus Master, and Ultra ATA performance for
optimal system performance.
Tested compatibility to coexist with
motherboards that have integrated IDE
controllers
Improves system performance of new and existing installations.
Features LBA and Extended Interrupt13 drive
translation in controller onboard BIOS
Breaks capacity barriers for support of drives greater than 137 GB
in capacity. Offers flexible storage options for space demanding
applications.
WARNING! Using an operating system not listed below could result in data loss.

WD SERIAL ATA RAID CONTROLLER
INTRODUCTION/GETTING STARTED - 4
USER MANUAL
Unpacking and Handling Procedures
WD controllers are precision instruments and should be handled with care during unpacking
and installation. These devices can be damaged by rough handling, shock and vibration, or
electrostatic discharge (ESD). Be aware of the following precautions:
!Do not unpack the controller until you are ready to install it. Your controller is packaged
in an anti-static bag.
!Save the packaging materials and anti-static bag should you need to return your
controller. Your warranty will be void if your returned controller is shipped in anything
other than the original packaging or WD approved materials.
!To avoid ESD problems, ground yourself by touching the metal chassis of the computer
before handling the controller. Articles of clothing generate static electricity. Do not allow
clothing to come in direct contact with the controller.
!Handle the controller by its sides only. Avoid touching the circuit board components.
Register Your WD SATA RAID Controller
Take advantage of WD special offers and product updates by registering your new WD SATA
RAID Controller online at https://www.wdc.com/en/products/registration.

WD SERIAL ATA RAID CONTROLLER
DISK ARRAY CONCEPTS - 5
USER MANUAL
Disk Array Concepts
About the WD SATA RAID Controller
The WD SATA RAID Controller is a high performance SATA RAID controller that features
concurrent data channel operation and onboard BIOS. The channels on the WD SATA
RAID Controller support concurrent operation that allows for overlapped I/O under multi-
tasking operating systems and sharing the workload between multiple drives.
About Adapter BIOS
The WD SATA RAID Controller card contains a BIOS code that extends the standard disk
service routine provided through Int13. The BIOS is bootable for DOS and other operating
systems that rely on the system BIOS for drive operation.
EasyBuild Auto Menu Setup
This setup utility is used to build and manage WD SATA RAID Controller disk arrays. The
utility is menu driven and features the Auto Setup (1) option that uses a simple, interactive
setup process. Once the array is built, all the array members store the configuration
information in the drive's reserved area. See “Creating a Disk Array” on page 10 which
provides descriptions of individual functions.
Reserve Sector
Array configuration data about the drive member and other members in the disk array are
saved on a special location on the hard drives called the reserve sector. If any member of the
array becomes corrupt or lost, the redundant configuration data on the other members can be
used for rebuilds.
Disk array members do not have a memory of their drive positions. This allows drives to be
placed on different WD SATA RAID Controller connectors or cards within the system
without reconfiguring or rebuilding.
2

WD SERIAL ATA RAID CONTROLLER
DISK ARRAY CONCEPTS - 6
USER MANUAL
Disk Array Terms
Disk Array Description
A disk array is formed from a group of two or more hard drives that appear to the system as a
single drive. The advantage of an array is to provide better throughput performance and/or
data fault tolerance.
Better performance is accomplished by sharing the workload among multiple physical drives.
Fault tolerance is achieved through data redundancy operation where if one (or more) drive
fails or has a sector failure, a mirrored copy of the data can be found on another drive(s).
For optimal results, select identical SATA drives to install in disk arrays. The drives' matched
performance allows the array to function better as a single drive.
Disk Array Member
The individual hard drives in an array are called members. Each member of a specific disk
array has coded in its reserved sector configuration information that identifies the drive as a
member. All disk members in a formed disk array are recognized as a single physical drive to
the system.
Disk Array Types
For most installations, the EasyBuild setup Auto Setup (1) option will configure your system.
There are two disk array types (RAID 0 and 1) in two categories that can be installed on the
WD SATA RAID Controller. Striping is in the Performance category while Mirroring is in
the Fault Tolerance category.
Disk arrays within the Performance and Fault Tolerance categories conform to the
Redundant Array of Independent Disks technology, or RAID. The RAID levels supported are
0 and 1.
RAID Level Performance Fault Tolerance Capacity No. of Drives
RAID 0 (Striping) Highest No No. Drives x
Smallest Size
1 to 2
RAID 1 (Mirroring) Normal Yes Smallest Size Drive 2