1. Introduction
This manual provides detailed instructions for the installation, configuration, and maintenance of the Supermicro AOC-S3108L-H8IR-16DD Add-on Card. This storage controller is designed for high-performance RAID solutions, supporting SATA 6Gb/s and SAS 12Gb/s interfaces with a low-profile form factor. It offers RAID levels 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60, leveraging PCIe 3.0 for data transfer.
The Supermicro AOC-S3108L-H8IR-16DD is an 8-channel storage controller, ideal for server and workstation environments requiring robust data management and protection.
2. Product Overview
Figure 1: Front view of the Supermicro AOC-S3108L-H8IR-16DD RAID controller card. This image shows the PCIe connector, heatsink, and SAS ports.
Figure 2: Top-down view of the RAID controller, highlighting the two SAS connectors for attaching storage devices.
Figure 3: A close-up view of the product label, displaying the model number AOC-S3108L-H8IR-16DD, serial number (S/N: VA183S014552), and SAS ID (50030480243B3D00).
Figure 4: Rear view of the printed circuit board (PCB) of the RAID controller, showing various electronic components.
3. Setup and Installation
Before installation, ensure your system's power is off and unplugged. Wear an anti-static wrist strap to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage.
- System Preparation: Power down your computer and disconnect all power cables. Open the computer case.
- Locate PCIe Slot: Identify an available PCIe 3.0 x8 or x16 slot on your motherboard. This card is low-profile, so ensure adequate clearance.
- Install the Card: Gently align the AOC-S3108L-H8IR-16DD card with the chosen PCIe slot. Apply even pressure to firmly seat the card into the slot until it clicks into place. Secure the card with the retention mechanism or screw provided by your chassis.
- Connect SAS/SATA Drives: Connect your SAS or SATA drives to the card's SAS ports using appropriate cables. The card features two SAS connectors, each supporting multiple drives via a breakout cable.
- Close Chassis and Power On: Close your computer case, reconnect all power cables, and power on the system.
- Driver Installation: Upon first boot, the operating system may automatically detect the new hardware. If not, or for optimal performance, download and install the latest drivers from the Supermicro official website.
4. Operating and Configuration
After successful installation and driver setup, you can configure your RAID arrays. Configuration typically occurs via the card's BIOS utility during system boot or through a software utility within your operating system.
4.1. BIOS Configuration
- During system boot, watch for a prompt to enter the RAID controller's BIOS utility (e.g., press Ctrl+R or F key).
- Navigate the utility to create new RAID volumes, delete existing ones, or manage physical drives.
- Select your desired RAID level (0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60) based on your performance and redundancy requirements.
- Assign physical drives to the RAID array.
- Save changes and exit the utility. The system will then recognize the new logical drive.
4.2. Software Utility Configuration
Supermicro provides software utilities for managing the RAID controller from within your operating system (e.g., Supermicro RAID Manager). Refer to the software's documentation for detailed instructions on:
- Creating, expanding, or migrating RAID arrays.
- Monitoring drive health and RAID status.
- Performing maintenance tasks like consistency checks.
5. Maintenance
Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your RAID controller and connected storage.
- Firmware Updates: Periodically check the Supermicro website for firmware updates for your AOC-S3108L-H8IR-16DD. Firmware updates can improve performance, add features, or resolve issues. Follow the provided instructions carefully when updating firmware.
- Driver Updates: Keep your RAID controller drivers updated to ensure compatibility and performance with your operating system.
- Physical Inspection: Every few months, or during system maintenance, visually inspect the card for dust accumulation on the heatsink. Clean with compressed air if necessary to maintain proper cooling.
- RAID Array Monitoring: Utilize the RAID management software to regularly monitor the health of your RAID arrays and individual drives. Address any warnings or errors promptly.
6. Troubleshooting
This section provides solutions to common issues you might encounter.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Card not detected by system. | Not properly seated in PCIe slot; incompatible slot; faulty card. | Reseat the card firmly. Try a different PCIe slot. Verify motherboard compatibility. Contact support if issues persist. |
| Drives not recognized by the card. | Incorrect cabling; faulty drives; drives not initialized. | Check SAS/SATA cable connections. Test drives individually. Initialize drives via the RAID BIOS or software utility. |
| RAID array degraded or failed. | Drive failure; power loss during rebuild; incorrect configuration. | Identify and replace the failed drive. Ensure stable power. Rebuild the array using the RAID management utility. |
| Slow performance. | Outdated drivers/firmware; incorrect RAID level for workload; drive issues. | Update drivers and firmware. Verify RAID level suitability. Check drive health. |
7. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Number | AOC-S3108L-H8IR |
| Interface | PCIe 3.0 |
| Channels | 8 Channel |
| Data Transfer Rate | SATA 6Gb/s, SAS 12Gb/s |
| RAID Levels Supported | 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60 |
| Form Factor | Low Profile Add-on Card |
| Operating System Compatibility | Linux |
| Item Weight | 9.9 ounces (0.28 Kilograms) |
| Package Dimensions | 8.82 x 6.38 x 2.4 inches |
8. Warranty and Support
For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the official Supermicro website or contact their customer service directly. Keep your purchase receipt and the product's serial number (found on the card, e.g., S/N: VA183S014552) readily available when seeking support.
Supermicro's official website is the primary resource for driver downloads, firmware updates, and detailed product documentation.