ASROCK 4Core1600P35-WiFi - User Manual

1
Guide to Intel Matrix Storage Manager
1. Enter Intel Matrix Storage Manager
RAID driver is built in Intel ALL in one driver provided in our support
CD. After you finish the driver installation, you can create, delete, or
rebuild any RAID array. Please enter Intel Matrix Storage Manager by
clicking on Start All Programs Intel(R) Matrix Storage
Manager Intel Matrix Storage Console.
Then, the below screen appears.
Intel(R) Matrix Storage Console

Summary

Guide to Intel Matrix Storage Manager

Accessing Intel Matrix Storage Manager

Steps to launch the Intel Matrix Storage Manager console for RAID management.

Intel Matrix Storage Console Interface

Overview of the console displaying RAID controllers, volumes, and drives.

Creating a RAID Volume

Migrate to RAID Volume from Existing Drive

Using the wizard to migrate data from a single drive to a new RAID volume.

Configure RAID Volume Settings

Define volume name, RAID level (e.g., RAID 0), and strip size (e.g., 128KB).

Select Source Drive for Migration

Choosing the primary hard drive containing data to be included in the RAID.

Add Member Drives to RAID Array

Selecting additional hard drives to expand the RAID array.

Specify New RAID Volume Size

Allocating space for the new RAID volume, recommending 100% usage.

Start RAID Volume Creation and Migration

Finalizing the RAID volume setup and initiating data migration process.

Monitor RAID Migration Progress

Tracking the data migration status and estimated completion time.

Complete RAID Volume and Reboot System

Confirmation of migration completion and requirement to reboot the system.

Intel Rapid Recover Technology (IRRT)

IRRT Data Copying Mechanism

Utilizes RAID 1 to copy data from a master drive to a designated recovery drive.

IRRT Update Policy Options

Explains continuous and on-request data synchronization between drives.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Important Technical Specifications/Configuration Options
3. Usage Features
4. Maintenance Features

This document outlines the process for configuring and managing RAID volumes using the Intel Matrix Storage Manager, specifically focusing on creating a RAID volume from an existing hard drive and introducing Intel Rapid Recover Technology (IRRT).

Function Description:

The Intel Matrix Storage Manager is a software utility that allows users to create, delete, and rebuild RAID arrays. It is integrated with the Intel all-in-one driver, typically provided on a support CD. The primary function described here is the creation of a RAID volume from an existing non-RAID hard drive, migrating the data to the new RAID configuration. This process is designed to enhance system performance and reliability through RAID capabilities. Additionally, the document introduces Intel Rapid Recover Technology (IRRT), a feature of the Intel Matrix Storage Manager that utilizes RAID 1 (mirroring) functionality. IRRT enables the copying of data from a designated master drive to a designated recovery drive, either continuously or on request, providing data redundancy and recovery options.

Important Technical Specifications/Configuration Options:

When configuring a new RAID volume, several key parameters need to be set:

• Volume Name: A user-defined name (1-16 English alphanumeric characters) for the RAID volume.
• RAID Level: The document specifically mentions "RAID 0" as an option during the configuration process, indicating support for this RAID level for performance enhancement. While IRRT uses RAID 1, the volume creation wizard shown focuses on RAID 0.
• Strip Size: This parameter determines the size of data blocks written to each disk in the array. Recommended strip sizes are provided for different usage models:
  • 4KB: For specialized usage models requiring 4KB strips.
  • 8KB: For specialized usage models requiring 8KB strips.
  • 16KB: Best for sequential transfers.
  • 32KB: Good for sequential transfers.
  • 64KB: Good general purpose strip size.
  • 128KB: Best performance for most desktops and workstations.
• Volume Size: Users can specify the amount of available array space to be used by the new RAID volume, either by entering a value in GB or using a slider. A recommendation is to use 100% of the available space for optimized usage. For RAID 0 volumes, at least 50% of the hard drive space must be chosen, with the option to create a second volume for remaining space. For RAID 1 volumes, 100% of the hard drive space must be used.
• Hard Drive Compatibility: The screenshots show "WDC WD360GD-00FNA0" and "WDC WD360GD-00FNA0-S" as examples of hard drives, indicating compatibility with Western Digital drives. The system detects "Intel(R) 82801FR SATA RAID Controller," implying support for SATA RAID controllers integrated with Intel chipsets.
• Migration Time: Volume migration can take up to two hours, depending on the size of the hard drives being used.
• Recovery Volume Capacity (for IRRT): The recovery volume capacity will equal the size of the smaller of the two hard drives involved in the mirroring process.

Usage Features:

• Intuitive Interface: The Intel Matrix Storage Console provides a graphical user interface (GUI) with a wizard-driven process for creating RAID volumes, making it accessible for users.
• Step-by-Step Guidance: The document clearly outlines the steps: entering the Matrix Storage Manager, selecting "Create RAID Volume from Existing Hard Drive," configuring volume parameters, selecting source and member disks, and specifying volume size.
• Data Migration: The wizard facilitates the migration of data from a single non-RAID hard drive to a new RAID volume, preserving existing data on the source drive during the initial selection phase.
• Background Operation: During the volume migration process, users can continue to use other applications, as the migration runs in the background.
• Reboot Requirement: After successful migration, a system reboot is required to utilize the full capacity of the new RAID volume.
• Intel Rapid Recover Technology (IRRT):
  • RAID 1 Mirroring: Utilizes RAID 1 for data redundancy.
  • Flexible Update Policies: Supports both "continuous update policy" (automatic data copying to recovery drive when the system is re-docked after changes while undocked) and "on request update policy" (restoring master drive data from the recovery drive).
  • Data Recovery: Enables restoration of the master drive data to a previous state using the recovery drive.

Maintenance Features:

• Data Backup Warning: The system explicitly warns users about the permanent deletion of existing data on selected member hard drives during RAID volume creation and emphasizes the critical importance of backing up all important data before proceeding. This is a crucial maintenance consideration for data integrity.
• Migration Progress Monitoring: The system provides a progress bar and estimated time remaining during the volume migration, allowing users to monitor the process.
• Reboot Prompt: After migration, the system prompts the user to reboot, ensuring the new RAID configuration is fully integrated and operational.
• RAID Management Console: The Intel Matrix Storage Console serves as a central point for managing RAID configurations, including creation, deletion, and rebuilding of arrays, which are essential maintenance tasks.

ASROCK 4Core1600P35-WiFi Specifications

General

Brand	ASROCK
Model	4Core1600P35-WiFi
Category	Storage
Language	English