Wanna setup RAID in Supermicro?  We can help you setup RAID for Supermicro. We setup RAID using RAID Controller configuration in the BIOS Setup utility. At Bobcares, we often get requests for setting up RAID as part of our Server Management Services. Today, we’ll see how our Support Engineers set it up for our customers.

Overview

1. Explore more about Supermicro RAID
2. Understanding RAID Levels
3. How we setup RAID Supermicro?
4. Additional Considerations
5. Common RAID Setup Issues and Solutions
6. Conclusion

Explore more about Supermicro RAID

RAID stands for Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks. The most common levels are RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10. Once all the hardware is installed we must configure the RAID. So that we can install an operating system and other drives. RAID configurations will protect against drive failure. But it is not recommended using it for data backup.

Let’s discuss how our Support Engineers setup RAID in Supermicro.

Understanding RAID Levels

RAID can be configured in various levels, each offering different benefits:

• RAID 0: Stripes data across multiple disks for improved performance but offers no redundancy.

• RAID 1: Mirrors data across two disks, providing redundancy.

• RAID 5: Uses parity for fault tolerance, requiring at least three disks.

• RAID 6: Similar to RAID 5 but with double parity for added protection against disk failures.

• RAID 10: Combines RAID 1 and RAID 0, requiring at least four disks for both performance and redundancy.

How we setup RAID Supermicro?

Recently one of the customers contacted us saying the initial setup of the server is complete. We want to setup RAID and provided the IPMI access to the server. Let’s discuss how our Support Engineers setup for our customers.

1. First, we login to the Management interface. Then, we power cycle the server.

2. Once the server boots up we enter the BIOS.

3. Then we select the Advanced configuration of BIOS.

4. In the configuration, we change the SATA setting to RAID. Then we change PCH Raid codebase to INTEL.

5. We press F10 to save the changes.

6. Once the server is booting up we load the Raid configuration utility.

7. Then we select Create RAID Volume and press enter.

8. We give a name for the RAID level. By default, the value is volume 0.

9. Now we select the RAID level and then we press enter.

10. Then we select Create Volume and press enter.

11. Now a message pops up ‘Are you sure you want to create this volume?‘. We press Y to continue.

Once the RAID is successfully setup. We exit the RAID configuration Utility.

Additional Considerations

• Ensure all drives are set up before creating the RAID; modern controllers usually handle this automatically.

• RAID is for redundancy, but still backup the data regularly.

• UEFI systems might need extra boot setup steps.

Common RAID Setup Issues and Solutions

1. Not Enough Drives

Issue: RAID needs at least two drives.

Solution: Make sure we have enough drives.

2. Unformatted Drives

Issue: Drives need to be formatted before RAID setup.

Solution: Format each drive before using them in RAID.

3. Mount Point Not Empty

Issue: The RAID mount point must be empty.

Solution: Clear any files from the mount point before creating the RAID.

4. RAID Errors

Issue: RAID may show errors or be degraded.

Solution: Check RAID status in BIOS or RAID software.

5. Drive Failures

Issue: A drive failure can affect RAID performance.

Solution: Replace any failed drives and let RAID rebuild.

6. RAID Controller Problems

Issue: Issues with the RAID controller can cause errors.

Solution: Update or reset the controller, or replace it if needed.

7. Loose Cables

Issue: Loose cables can cause drives to fail.

Solution: Check and secure all cables.

8. Missing Partitions

Issue: Corrupted partitions can make data inaccessible.

Solution: Use disk tools to recover partitions.

9. Rebuilding Failures

Issue: RAID might not rebuild after a drive replacement.

Solution: Delete and recreate the RAID if rebuilding fails.

10. SMART Data Issues

Issue: SMART data can show signs of drive failure.

Solution: Regularly check SMART data for issues.

11. Slow Performance

Issue: RAID may perform slowly due to wrong settings or old drivers.

Solution: Update drivers and adjust RAID settings.

[Searching solution for a different question? We’re happy to help.]

Conclusion

In short, we’ve discussed about Supermicro RAID. Also, we saw how our Support Engineers setup RAID in Supermicro.