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Chapter 5: Installing the Controller and Disk Drives ● 32
Before You Begin
● Read Safety Information on page 104.
● Familiarize yourself with your Adaptec RAID controller’s physical features and the RAID
levels that it supports (see page 15).
● Ensure you have the right quantity of disk drives for the RAID level you want to use for
your arrays (see page 27).
● Ensure that you have the proper cables for your controller and disk drives (see page 28).
● If you are installing a low-profile RAID controller into a low-profile computer cabinet,
replace the original full-height bracket with the low-profile bracket included in the kit.
Caution:
Handle the controller by its bracket or edges only.
Installing the Controller
This section describes how to install your Adaptec RAID controller into your computer cabinet.
1 Turn off your computer and disconnect the power cord. Open
the cabinet, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
2 Select an available PCI/PCIe/PCI-X expansion slot that’s
compatible with your RAID controller and remove the slot
cover, as shown at right. (PCI bus compatibility is marked on
the controller figures in About Your RAID Controller on page
15.)
For the best performance, use the fastest available PCI slot
that’s compatible with your RAID controller.
Caution:
Touch a grounded metal object before handling
the RAID controller.
3
As shown at right, insert the RAID controller into the PCI
expansion slot and press down gently but firmly until it clicks
into place. When installed properly, the RAID controller should
appear level with the expansion slot
.
4 Secure the bracket in the PCI/PCIe/PCI-X slot, using the
retention device (for instance, a screw or lever) supplied with
your computer.
5 Connect your computer’s disk activity LED cable to the LED
connector on the controller (
marked on the figures in
About
Your RAID Controller
on page 15
)
.
Ensure that the positive lead of the LED cable (usually a red
wire or a wire marked with a red stripe) is attached to pin 1.
Note:
Adaptec 4000 only—Controller installation is complete. If you are installing the
controller driver and an operating system on a bootable array, continue with Creating a
Bootable Array on page 37.
If you are completing a standard installation onto an existing operating system, continue
with Installing the Driver on an Existing Operating System on page 49.
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