Managing RAID on Linux

Adaptec RAID Setup Utility

The Adaptec RAID Setup Utility is the controller BIOS configuration tool used to create and manage Adaptec arrays. In this section, I’ll provide some examples for common tasks using the BIOS Setup Utility, including configuring an array for the first time and converting an existing system to a RAID-1 system. When the card initializes, you’ll see a banner that provides information about disks and arrays. Use CTRL-A to enter the utility.

Adaptec controllers also ship with a bootable CD-ROM that contains a more robust GUI configuration tool. You can use that disk, instead of the setup utility, to perform your initial setup.

Configuring the first array

1. Use CTRL-A to enter the Adaptec RAID Setup Utility.

2. After the utility initializes and scans connected disks, press ALT-R to activate the RAID configuration menu.

3. Select Create from the RAID configuration menu. A window that lists the available RAID levels and the default stripe size will appear.

4. Use the TAB or arrow keys to move between each option. Pressing the SPACEBAR selects the RAID level that is currently highlighted. Choose the one that meets your needs.

5. If necessary, navigate to the Stripe Size field and press the ENTER key to bring up a list of available stripe sizes. Use the arrow keys and the ENTER key to select the desired stripe size. The default value is fine for most systems.

6. Navigate to the Okay button and press ENTER to confirm the RAID configuration.

7. The next screen lists available disks. Move up and ...