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Intel
Integrated RAID Controller GSU31
User
’
s Manual
Rev 1.0
5-13
RAID Features
5.2.8
Caching
Note:
Intel Integrated RAID software provides write-back cache capability to improve host performance
for certain types of applications. Applications which may benefit from the write-back cache
typically exhibit irregular patterns of write intensity over time. Such applications normally write
short bursts of data. Such applications may include transaction processing (perhaps sorting
applications or accounting software). Also, enabling the write-cache will usually improve
sequential write performance for RAID-5 volumes.
Some applications may incur some performance degradation with the write-cache enabled.
Example applications would include video editing, graphics intensive applications, video
streaming, or other applications which access or copy large files. It is recommended that the user
try both modes of operation (cache enabled and cache disabled) to determine which mode
operation provides the best performance for the applications that are commonly used.
5.2.8.1
Downstream Write-Through (Volume)
The RAID controller cache is used to buffer write data until it is written to disk. Data in the cache
is not available to be read from the cache directly. This type of caching is enabled by default when
no other cache type (Sequential or Full Write Back) is selected.
Disable Write
Cache
Available
OK
Disable Disk Write Cache
None
Available
Formatted OK
No action can be taken while the drive is being formatted.
None
Available
Formatting
None
Available
Offline
None
Available
OK
No action will be taken.
None
In Use
Failed
None
In Use
OK
None
Pass-
through
Ok
None
Spare
OK
None
In Use
Offline
Pass-through to
Host
Available
OK
Drive is not controlled by RAID firmware and thus cannot
be a part of a RAID volume. The drive will be available to
the operating system as an individual disk.
Release Spare
Spare
OK
Convert a spare to an available drive.
None
Available, In
Use, Pass-
through,
Spare
Alarm-service
Indicates that the disk drive has reported a S.M.A.R.T
event and may be in need of service or replacement. See
the specific disk drive manufacturer documentation for
details including error codes, utilities, etc.
None
In Use
Incompatible
Version
Drive is not controlled by RAID firmware and thus cannot
be a part of a RAID volume. The drive will be available to
the operating system as an individual disk.
Table 5-13. Disk Actions, Usage and Status
Disk Action
Usage
Status
Description if Submitted and Confirmed