Introduction
This manual provides comprehensive instructions for the installation, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of the LSI LOGIC MegaRAID SAS 9266-8i Storage Controller. This high-performance controller features eight internal 6 Gb/s SATA + SAS ports and 1 GB DDRIII cache memory, supporting RAID levels 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60. Adhering to these guidelines will ensure optimal performance and longevity of your storage solution.
Safety Information
Observe the following safety precautions to prevent damage to the product and ensure personal safety:
- Always disconnect power from the system before installing or removing the controller card.
- Wear an anti-static wrist strap and work on an anti-static mat to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage to sensitive components.
- Handle the controller card by its edges; avoid touching the components or connectors.
- Ensure proper ventilation within the system chassis to prevent overheating.
- Only qualified personnel should perform installation and maintenance procedures.
Package Contents
Verify that your package contains the following items:
- LSI LOGIC MegaRAID SAS 9266-8i Storage Controller
- Documentation (e.g., Quick Installation Guide)
- Driver and Utility CD/USB (or instructions for download)
- Low-profile bracket (if applicable)
Setup
Hardware Installation
- Power down your computer and disconnect the power cord.
- Open the computer case and locate an available PCI Express (PCIe) slot (x8 or x16 recommended for optimal performance).
- Remove the metal slot cover from the chosen PCIe slot.
- Carefully insert the MegaRAID SAS 9266-8i controller into the PCIe slot, ensuring it is fully seated. Secure the card with the retaining screw or clip.
- Connect your SAS or SATA drives to the controller's internal ports using appropriate cables.
- Close the computer case and reconnect the power cord.
Important Note on Cooling: The MegaRAID SAS 9266-8i controller can generate heat during operation. Ensure adequate airflow around the card within your system chassis. Monitoring the controller's temperature is recommended, and if temperatures consistently exceed 80°C, consider improving case ventilation or adding a dedicated 80mm fan for direct cooling.
Image: LSI LOGIC MegaRAID SAS 9266-8i Storage Controller. This image shows the physical appearance of the controller card, highlighting its PCIe interface and internal SAS/SATA ports.
Driver Installation
After hardware installation, you will need to install the appropriate drivers for your operating system. Drivers can typically be found on the official Broadcom (formerly LSI Logic) support website. Download the latest drivers compatible with your operating system and follow the provided installation instructions.
Operating the Controller
RAID Configuration (WebBIOS)
The primary method for initial RAID array configuration is through the WebBIOS utility, accessible during system boot.
- During system startup, watch for a prompt to press Ctrl+H to enter the WebBIOS configuration utility.
- Note on Keyboard Input: On systems that do not have a PS/2 port, your USB keyboard input may not be detected by WebBIOS. To resolve this, you may need to enable a setting like "port 60/64 emulation" for USB as PS/2 in your system's motherboard BIOS. Consult your motherboard manual for specific instructions.
- Within WebBIOS, you can create new RAID volumes, manage existing ones, and perform other controller-level configurations.
Software Management (MegaRAID Storage Manager / StorCLI)
For ongoing management and monitoring of your RAID arrays and controller, LSI Logic provides software utilities:
- MegaRAID Storage Manager (MSM): A graphical user interface (GUI) application for Windows, Linux, and VMware that allows you to monitor controller status, create/manage virtual drives, and perform maintenance tasks.
- StorCLI: A command-line interface (CLI) utility for advanced users and scripting, offering full control over the MegaRAID controller.
Both utilities can be downloaded from the official Broadcom support website.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance helps ensure the reliability and performance of your MegaRAID controller:
- Temperature Monitoring: Use MegaRAID Storage Manager to regularly check the controller's operating temperature. Maintain good airflow within your system to keep temperatures within acceptable limits.
- Firmware Updates: Periodically check the manufacturer's website for firmware updates. Firmware updates can improve performance, add features, and resolve known issues.
- Driver Updates: Keep your operating system drivers for the controller up to date.
- Physical Inspection: Occasionally inspect the card for dust buildup and ensure all cable connections are secure.
Troubleshooting
This section addresses common issues you might encounter:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| System does not post or locks up with the card installed. | Incompatible motherboard BIOS/firmware; card not fully seated. | Ensure the card is fully seated in the PCIe slot. Update your motherboard's BIOS to the latest version. Check motherboard compatibility with the controller. |
| Cannot access WebBIOS (Ctrl+H) during boot. | USB keyboard input not recognized by WebBIOS. | Enable "port 60/64 emulation" for USB as PS/2 in your system's motherboard BIOS settings. |
| Controller card runs excessively hot. | Insufficient airflow or cooling. | Improve case ventilation. Consider adding a dedicated fan to blow air directly across the controller's heatsink. Monitor temperature with MegaRAID Storage Manager. |
| System instability or data corruption. | Outdated firmware or drivers; overheating. | Update controller firmware and drivers to the latest versions. Address any overheating issues. |
| "Foreign Configuration" detected on startup. | The card or connected drives contain pre-existing RAID configuration data. | Access WebBIOS or MegaRAID Storage Manager to either import the foreign configuration (if intentional) or clear it to create new arrays. |
Specifications
- Model Number: LSI00295
- Brand: LSI Logic
- Hardware Interface: SAS
- Ports: Eight internal 6 Gb/s SATA + SAS ports
- Cache Memory: 1 GB DDRIII
- RAID Levels Supported: 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60
- Cache Protection: Support for NAND flash or BBU (Battery Backup Unit) cache protection solution
- Item Weight: 0.2 Kilograms
- Compatible Devices: Desktop, Laptop
- Manufacturer: LSI LOGIC
Warranty and Support
Warranty: The LSI LOGIC MegaRAID SAS 9266-8i Storage Controller comes with a limited 3-year warranty from the manufacturer.
Technical Support: For technical assistance, driver downloads, firmware updates, and additional documentation, please visit the official Broadcom (formerly LSI Logic) support website. When contacting support, have your model number (LSI00295) and system configuration details readily available.
