What are the maximum number of HDDs that can be connected to the system during boot when
the storage controller is in RAID mode (f10 Computer Setup)? ......................................................... 39
Index ................................................................................................................................................................... 40
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iv
1Introduction
Until recently, there were limited options for most computer users who wanted to protect their data
from loss in the event of a hard drive failure. These options were manually copying files to a backup
drive or using cumbersome backup software. If users failed to perform one of these mundane tasks
prior to a hard drive failure, they had to spend considerable time and money to recover even a portion
of the data on the drive. Server and desktop computer users have long enjoyed the security and
benefits of RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) technology to recover data in the event of
drive failure.
HP now offers a simple RAID solution for notebook computer users who need to protect data on a
Serial ATA (SATA) disk drive in case of drive failure or virus attacks. HP’s RAID solution also benefits
computer users who frequently work with large files and want to improve the storage performance of
their computer.
NOTE:The illustrations in this guide are provided in English only.
1
2RAID technology overview
This chapter defines the terms used in this guide and describes the RAID technologies supported by
select HP Business computers.
RAID terminology
Some of the terms in the following table have a broader meaning, but they are defined in relation to
the RAID implementation described in this guide.
TermDefinition
Fault toleranceThe ability of the computer to continue to operate if one drive fails. Fault tolerance is
often used interchangeably with reliability, but the two terms are different.
HDDOne physical hard disk drive in the RAID array.
Option ROMA software module inside the system's BIOS that provides extended support for a
particular piece of hardware. The RAID option ROM provides boot support for RAID
volumes as well as a user interface for managing and configuring the system's RAID
volumes.
Primary driveThe main internal HDD in the computer.
RAID arrayThe physical drives that appear as one logical drive to the operating system.
RAID migrationThe change of data from a non-RAID to RAID configuration. “RAID level migration,” or
the change of data from one RAID level to another, is not supported.
RAID volumeA fixed amount of space across a RAID array that appears as a single HDD to the
operating system.
Recovery driveThe hard drive that is the designated mirror (copy of the primary) drive in a RAID 1 and
Recovery volume.
ReliabilityThe likelihood—over a period of time—that a HDD can be expected to operate without
failure, also known as mean time before failure (MTBF).
StripeThe set of data on a single hard drive in a RAID volume.
StripingThe distribution of data over multiple disk drives to improve read/write performance.
2Chapter 2 RAID technology overview
RAID modes supported
The RAID modes supported by HP Business computers include RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and
Flexible data protection (Recovery) as described below. RAID modes 0, 1, and Recovery require two
SATA HDDs. RAID mode 5 requires three SATA HDDs. This can be accomplished by inserting a
second SATA hard drive into the Upgrade Bay, eSATA port (if available), or the second hard drive
bay (if available) of the computer, or into the SATA-swappable bay of the HP Advanced Docking
Station (see
Devices supported on page 7). RAID 10 is not supported.
RAID 0
RAID 0 stripes, or distributes, data across both drives. This allows data, especially large files, to be
read faster because data is read simultaneously from both drives. However, RAID 0 offers no fault
tolerance, which means that if one drive fails, the entire array fails.
The usable amount of the drives is the minimum size of the unassigned space x 2 (number of the
HDDs). For example, if disk 1 has 150 GB of free space and disk 2 has 600 GB of free space, the
usable amount is 150 GB x 2 = 300 GB. It is recommended to use HDDs of the same size and
specifications for RAID configuration.
RAID 1
RAID 1 copies, or mirrors, identical data on two HDDs. If one HDD fails, RAID 1 allows data to be
recovered from the other HDD.
The usable amount of the drives is the minimum size of the unassigned space. For example, if disk 1
has 150 GB of free space and disk 2 has 600 GB of free space, the usable amount is 150 GB. It is
recommended to use HDDs of the same size and specifications for RAID.
RAID 5
RAID 5 distributes data across three HDDs. If one HDD fails, RAID 5 allows data to be recovered
from the other two HDDs.
The usable amount of the drives is the minimum size of the unassigned space x 3 (number of the
HDDs) x 2/3. For example, if disk 1 has 150 GB of free space, disk 2 has 600 GB of free space, and
disk 3 has 400 GB of free space, the usable amount is 300 GB (150 GB x 3 x 2/3). It is recommended
to use HDDs of the same size and specifications for RAID.
Flexible data protection (Recovery)
Flexible data protection (Recovery) is a feature of Intel® Rapid Storage Technology software.
Recovery enhances RAID 1 functionality with several features that make it easier for users to mirror
data to a designated recovery drive. For example, Recovery allows users to determine how the
recovery volume is updated, either continuously (the default) or on request. Recovery also enables
docking and undocking of the computer if the second drive is in the docking station's bay.
RAID mode summary
The following table describes the functions, applications, and advantages and disadvantages of the
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