Microsemi Adaptec ASR-8405E - Installing Controller and Disk Drives; Installing the RAID Controller

5 Installing the Controller and Disk Drives
This chapter explains how to install your Microsemi Adaptec RAID controller, and how to install and connect
internal and external disk drives.
5.1 Before You Begin
• Read Safety Informationsafety information.
• Familiarize yourself with your RAID controller's physical features and the RAID levels that it supports
(see Standard RAID Controller FeaturesRAID controllers controllerscontrollers standard features).
• Ensure you have the right number of disk drives for the RAID level you want to use for your arrays (see
Selecting Disk Drives and Cables controllers disk drivesdisk drives).
• If you are installing the RAID controller into a low-prole computer cabinet, replace the original
full-height bracket with the low-prole bracket included in the kit (see Replacing the Full-Height Bracket
with a Low-Prole Bracket).
5.2 Installing the Controller
This section describes how to install the RAID controller into your computer cabinet. Microsemi Adaptec
RAID controllers come in two basic congurations: standard and zero maintenance cache protection with
batteryless backup (ZMCP). ZMCP uses ash memory and a supercapacitor module to protect the cache
without a battery.
Follow one of these sets of instructions:
• To install a Microsemi Adaptec RAID controller without zero maintenance cache protection, see the
next section.
• To install a Microsemi Adaptec RAID controller with zero maintenance cache protection, see Installing
a RAID Controller with Zero Maintenance Cache Protection batteryless backup zero maintenance cache
protection .
Caution: Be sure to handle the controller by its bracket or edges only.
5.2.1 Installing a RAID Controller without Zero Maintenance Cache Protection
To install a Microsemi Adaptec RAID controller without zero maintenance cache protection:
1. Turn off your computer and disconnect the power cord. Open the cabinet, following the manufacturer's
instructions.
2. Select an available PCIe expansion slot that's compatible with your RAID controller and remove the slot
cover, as shown below. (PCIe bus compatibility is marked to the controller gures in About Your RAID
Controllercontrollers gurescontrollers descriptions.)
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Microsemi Proprietary and Condential. Installation and User's Guide Revision 5
Installing the Controller and Disk Drives