Intel Matrix Storage Manager User's Manual

“RAID Ready”

7 “RAID Ready”

A "RAID Ready" system is a specific system configuration that enables a seamless migration

from a single non-RAID disk drive to a RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, or RAID 10 array. The Intel®

Matrix Storage Manager offers the flexibility to upgrade from a single Serial ATA (SATA) hard

drive to a RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, or RAID 10 configuration when one or more SATA hard

drives are added to the system. This process will create a new RAID volume from an existing

disk.

7.1 “RAID Ready” System Requirements

In order for a system to be considered “RAID Ready”, it must meet all of the following

requirements:

1. System must contain a supported Intel chipset and one Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive

2. RAID controller must be enabled in the BIOS

3. Motherboard BIOS must include the Intel® Matrix Storage Manager option ROM

4. Intel® Matrix Storage Manager must be loaded

7.2 Steps to Set Up a “RAID Ready” System

To set up a “RAID Ready” system, complete the following steps:

Note: The system must meet all the “RAID Ready” system requirements specified in Section 8.1.

1. Install Intel® Matrix Storage Manager driver during operating system installation or pre-

install the driver on a SATA hard drive (configured as non-RAID disk – also known as

RAID Ready Mode)

2. Install Intel® Matrix Storage Manager driver from within the operating system to add

Start Menu links and the Intel® Matrix Storage Console

7.3 Converting “RAID Ready” System into

RAID System Using the Migration Feature

7.3.1 Converting “RAID Ready” System into RAID 0 or

RAID 1 System With Two Hard Drives

Note: The steps listed in this section assume that the operating system has been installed on an existing

Serial ATA hard drive and the required driver was installed during the operating system setup.

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