ASUS PIKE 2108 User Manual

ASUS PIKE 2108 Server manual cover
Pages 84
Year 2011
Language(s)
English en

ASUS PIKE 2108 Server Specification

The ASUS PIKE 2108 is a high-performance RAID card designed to enhance server capabilities with increased storage reliability and efficiency. It integrates seamlessly with ASUS server motherboards, offering an adaptable and scalable solution for data management. Powered by the LSI SAS 2108 RAID-on-Chip (ROC) controller, this card supports up to eight SAS or SATA drives, ensuring flexible storage options with a data transfer rate of up to 6Gb/s per port. The PIKE 2108 supports RAID levels 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60, providing comprehensive data protection and redundancy for enterprise-level applications. It comes equipped with 512MB of DDR2 800MHz cache memory, enhancing data processing speed and overall system performance. The card also includes support for LSI MegaRAID management software, which facilitates easy configuration and monitoring of storage arrays. Its design incorporates a low-profile form factor, making it compatible with a wide range of server chassis configurations. The ASUS PIKE 2108 is tailored for businesses needing robust data protection and efficient storage management, offering advanced features such as Online Capacity Expansion (OCE) and Online RAID Level Migration (RLM). These features allow for dynamic storage scalability without downtime, crucial for maintaining business continuity. Additionally, it supports hot spares and automatic rebuilds, further ensuring data integrity in the event of drive failures. The card's compatibility with a variety of operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and VMware, ensures versatile deployment in diverse IT environments. Overall, the ASUS PIKE 2108 combines performance, reliability, and scalability, making it a vital component for optimizing server storage solutions in data-intensive operations.

ASUS PIKE 2108 Server F.A.Q.

How do I install the ASUS PIKE 2108 in my server?

To install the ASUS PIKE 2108, first power down the server and unplug it. Open the server chassis and locate the PCI-E slot. Insert the PIKE 2108 card into the slot and secure it with screws if necessary. Connect any required cables, close the chassis, and power the server back on. Ensure the card is recognized in the BIOS settings.

What are the steps to configure RAID on ASUS PIKE 2108?

Enter the BIOS setup during boot by pressing the designated key (usually F2 or DEL). Navigate to the RAID configuration utility. Select 'Create Array' and choose the RAID level you wish to use (e.g., RAID 0, 1, 5, 10). Select the drives to include in the array, then save and exit. The system will initialize the RAID configuration.

How can I update the firmware of ASUS PIKE 2108?

Download the latest firmware from the ASUS support website. Copy the firmware files to a USB drive. Reboot the server and access the controller's web interface or BIOS utility. Choose the firmware update option and select the files from the USB drive to start the update process. Follow on-screen instructions to complete the update.

What should I do if the ASUS PIKE 2108 is not detected by the system?

Ensure the card is properly seated in the PCI-E slot and that all connections are secure. Check if the slot is enabled in the BIOS settings. Try using a different slot if available. Verify that the latest drivers and firmware are installed. If the issue persists, test the card in another compatible system to rule out hardware failure.

How do I monitor the health of drives connected to ASUS PIKE 2108?

Install the management software provided by ASUS or compatible third-party tools. These applications provide a graphical interface to monitor drive status, RAID health, and receive alerts about potential issues. Regularly check the logs and perform scheduled inspections to ensure all drives are functioning optimally.

Can I migrate existing RAID arrays to a new server using ASUS PIKE 2108?

Yes, you can migrate RAID arrays. Power down the current server and remove the ASUS PIKE 2108 along with the connected drives. Install the card and drives into the new server, ensuring the card is properly seated and connections are secure. Boot the new server and enter the RAID configuration utility to verify the array is recognized.

What troubleshooting steps should I take if my RAID array on ASUS PIKE 2108 is degraded?

Check the management software for specific alerts or logs indicating which drive has failed. Replace the failed drive with a new one of equal or greater capacity. Use the RAID utility to rebuild the array. Monitor the rebuild process and verify the array returns to optimal status upon completion.

How can I reset the ASUS PIKE 2108 to factory settings?

Access the RAID configuration utility during system boot. Locate the option for factory reset or default settings. Confirm the action to reset the card. This will clear all configurations, so ensure all data is backed up prior to performing this operation.

What is the maximum number of drives supported by ASUS PIKE 2108?

The ASUS PIKE 2108 supports up to 8 drives, depending on the server configuration and available connectors. Ensure you have the necessary cables and backplane configurations to connect all desired drives.

How do I enable write-back cache on the ASUS PIKE 2108?

Enter the RAID configuration utility during boot. Navigate to the caching options for your RAID array. Select 'Enable Write-Back Cache' and confirm your selection. Ensure that you have a battery backup unit installed to protect against data loss in case of power failure.