i cant figure how to raid0!!

infernal · 27 Mar 2007 at 13:19

okay, so i feel kinda dumb posting this but i am just stumped!

i want raid0 on my 2 wd caviar 250 gig drives but i have no idea how to do it!

i have no idea how to get to any raid configuration screen on my abit quadgt board that has a phoenix bios.

i have tried changing device settings in my bios to use raid but i dont know what im doing wrong.

i also dont have a floppy drive, but should be able to borrow a usb one if neccessary.

Any help i would appreciate!

Thanks,
Russ.

michael baxter · 27 Mar 2007 at 13:24

To start, you need to take a look at the user manual for your motherboard!

semi-pro waster · 27 Mar 2007 at 13:27

I don't know specifically on your motherboard but on most there is a specific Raid 'bios' that you access by using a key combination - on mine it is ctrl + f for the Fastbuild controller but it ought to tell you in your manual exactly what the key combination is. Then once in the 'bios' you have to tell it to build the array, if you have any data on the drive(s) currently it will be wiped at this point. I'd perhaps suggest reading up a bit more on Raid since you appear a little unsure so that you can properly decide if the benefits are worth it.

Also your signature is a bit too big, it needs to be 4 lines or fewer as detailed in the FAQ.

rpstewart · 27 Mar 2007 at 13:33

OK, haven't used the board in question so this is a bit generic:

1) Make sure you've backed everything up from the 2 HDDs, they'll be wiped by the array creation process

2) Normally you'd need to configure the appropriate SATA ports to operate in RAID mode in the main system BIOS.

3) This should now enable the RAID BIOS which will appear as a separate splash screen after the main BIOS. This will detail the key combination to press to get into the RAID BIOS

4) Once in the RAID BIOS you'll have the option to create a new array, you choose which of the available HDDs to use from a list, pick the RAID mode (striping=RAID0) etc.

5) Creating the array will wipe the drives so you'll need to go and reinstall Windows. For XP you'll need the RAID drivers on a floppy or integrated into the install CD (use nLite for this), just make sure you have the right drivers for the SATA controller you're using. For Vista you can use a USB key for the drivers.

6) The Windows install is as normal except if you have the drivers on a floppy/key you'll need to press F6 at the start of the install and then S when prompted to give the installer the drivers.

infernal · 27 Mar 2007 at 13:47

ive read through the manual a couple of times but cant find anything on raid :confused:

http://www2.abit.com.tw/page/uk/dow...ITLE_ON_SCREEN=AB9+QuadGT&pSOCKET_TYPE=LGA775

im not too bothered about the data on the dives, cause its a new build i only have my os on it at the mo!

raid0 seems to be the choice for plenty of people as i have been told of it being a faster performer in writing data compated to single drives.

there is also some stats on the matter in an issue of micromart i read a while ago.

it's just for the life of me i cant get to the raid config screen

i guess ill have to carry on trying!!

thanks for your help so far guys ill no doubt be asking again shortly!!

Russ.

rpstewart · 27 Mar 2007 at 14:14

The Quad GT manual is, to put it bluntly, naff! The BIOS section is one page which is of no use.

I grabbed the AB9 Pro manual which isn't perfect but it's the Phoenix BIOS too so it's a start. The RAID function needs to be enabled in the Integrated Peripherals section of the BIOS - in the OnChip IDE device sub menu set the SATA mode to RAID. This should enable the RAID BIOS, since it's the Intel controller on the Quad GT it should be Ctrl + I when prompted to launch the RAID configuration screens.

infernal · 27 Mar 2007 at 15:14

ahh wow, thanks for puttin so much effort into helping me man! as soon as i get home i think ill be trying that!!
then tomorrow my tuniq tower and extra fans should come, then i can start oc'ing properly

i agree though with you there, the manual i got is pretty dire to say the least.

ill keep you posted as to what happens

Russ.

infernal · 28 Mar 2007 at 11:35

well, i got home after going to see some m8s about lending a usb fdd only to find that my machine doesent boot when its plugged in!

im going to steal a floppy drive from an old machine and ill post back tonight when i have tried it out some more.

Russ.

infernal · 29 Mar 2007 at 09:17

im still having a massive problem with configuring my hdd's to run in raid. i just have no idea how to get to the raid config screen at all.

has anyone with an ab9 or a quadgt set up a raid0?

on the ab9 pro board apparently you have to install some software by intel and it enables the raid configuration option.

does this sound right to you guys?

Russ.

rpstewart · 29 Mar 2007 at 09:44

infernal said:
on the ab9 pro board apparently you have to install some software by intel and it enables the raid configuration option.

You should have the Intel chipset drivers / Application Accelerator stuff installed already, all it gives you is the RAID management application, it doesn't in itself enable the RAID functionality.

Have you changed the SATA ports to RAID mode in the main BIOS as per my previous post?

infernal · 29 Mar 2007 at 10:04

yeah, on my mobo it says to enable raid support on the ide controller, which i have done. but on the abit forum people have said quadgt owners need to flash their bios' with a newer bios revision to enable the raid config menu where you press ctrl + i to access the options.

Russ