Users Guide

SATA RAID Controllers
When using a SATA RAID controller, the controller calculates the maximum virtual disk size based on your RAID level selection and the
available physical disk space provided by all suitable physical disks attached to the controller. For example, if the controller contains 12
physical disks with available space and you have specied a RAID 5, then the controller calculates the maximum virtual disk size based on
the disk space provided by the 12 physical disks, because the 12 physical disks can be included in a RAID 5.
SAS RAID Controllers
When using a SAS controller, the controller calculates the maximum virtual disk size based on the available disk space provided by the
minimum number of physical disks required to create the RAID level you selected. For example, if you specied a RAID 5, then the controller
calculates the maximum virtual disk size based on three physical disks, because only three physical disks are required to create a RAID 5.
Channel-Redundant Virtual Disks
When creating a virtual disk, it is possible to use disks attached to dierent channels to implement channel redundancy. This conguration
might be used for disks that reside in enclosures subject to thermal shutdown.
NOTE: Channel redundancy only applies to controllers that have more than one channel and that attach to an external disk
enclosure.
Related link
Channel Redundancy
Creating A Channel-Redundant Virtual Disk
Creating Virtual Disks
Does my controller support this feature? See Supported Features.
In order to implement RAID functions, you must create a virtual disk. A virtual disk refers to storage created by a RAID controller from one
or more physical disks. Although a virtual disk may be created from several physical disks, it is seen by the operating system as a single disk.
Before creating a virtual disk, you should be familiar with the information in Considerations Before Creating Virtual Disks.
Storage Management provides wizards to help you create a virtual disk:
• The Create Virtual Disk Express Wizard calculates an appropriate virtual disk layout based on the available space and controller
considerations. Using this wizard, you can quickly create a virtual disk using recommended selections.
• The Create Virtual Disk Advanced Wizard allows you to specify the read, write, and cache policy for the virtual disk. You can also
select the physical disks and the controller connector to be used. You need a good knowledge of RAID levels and hardware to use the
advanced wizard.
Related link
RAID
Deleting A Virtual Disk
Channel Redundancy
Reconguring Or Migrating Virtual Disks
Physical Disk Or Physical Device Properties
Physical Disk Or Physical Device Tasks
Create Virtual Disk Advanced Wizard
Create Virtual Disk Express Wizard
Virtual Disks
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