AMD RAID Installation Guide

1. AMD BIOS RAID Installation Guide

This guide provides instructions for configuring RAID functions using the onboard FastBuild BIOS utility. Please note that BIOS screenshots are for reference only and may differ based on your motherboard model. Actual setup options depend on the motherboard purchased. Refer to the product specification page for RAID support details. Content is subject to change due to BIOS software updates.

1.1 Introduction to RAID

RAID, which stands for "Redundant Array of Independent Disks," is a method that combines two or more hard disk drives into a single logical unit. For optimal performance, it is recommended to use identical drives of the same model and capacity when creating a RAID set.

RAID 0 (Data Striping)

RAID 0 stripes data across multiple drives, allowing for parallel read and write operations. This significantly improves data access and transfer rates, effectively doubling the speed of a single disk. However, RAID 0 does not provide any fault tolerance. A warning is issued: Hot-plugging any HDDs in a RAID 0 configuration can cause data damage or loss.

RAID 1 (Data Mirroring)

RAID 1 mirrors data, creating an identical copy of data from one drive onto a second drive. This provides data protection and increases fault tolerance. If one drive fails, the system can continue operating using the surviving drive, which contains a complete copy of the data.

RAID 5 (Block Striping with Distributed Parity)

RAID 5 stripes data and distributes parity information across multiple physical drives. This configuration enhances performance through simultaneous access to several drives and provides fault tolerance via parity data, allowing data recalculation in case of a drive failure. RAID 5 is efficient and versatile, suitable for file, database, application, and web servers.

RAID 10 (Stripe Mirroring)

RAID 10 combines RAID 0 (striping) and RAID 1 (mirroring) techniques. It offers improved performance and resiliency by striping data across drives and then mirroring those striped sets. This provides both speed and fault tolerance.

1.2 RAID Configurations Precautions

1. For RAID 0 (striping) performance, use two new SATA drives of the same size. If drives differ in size, the smaller capacity dictates the maximum storage size for each drive, affecting the total RAID set capacity.
2. For RAID 1 (mirroring) data protection, use two new drives or an existing and a new drive (the new drive must be the same size or larger). If drives differ in size, the smaller capacity sets the maximum storage size for the RAID 1 set.
3. Always verify the status of your hard disks before setting up a new RAID array.

WARNING: Back up your data before creating RAID functions. During the RAID creation process, you may be asked to "Clear Disk Data." Selecting "Yes" is recommended for a clean operating environment.

1.3 UEFI RAID Configuration

This section details setting up a RAID array using the UEFI Setup Utility.

STEP 1: Set up UEFI and create a RAID array

1. During system boot, press [F2] or [Del] to enter UEFI setup.
2. Navigate to Advanced > Storage Configuration.
3. Set SATA Mode to RAID.
4. Navigate to Advanced > AMD PBS > AMD Common Platform Module.
5. Set NVMe RAID mode to Enabled.
6. Press [F10] to save changes and exit, then re-enter UEFI Setup.
7. After rebooting, the "RAIDXpert2 Configuration Utility" submenu will be available.
8. Navigate to Advanced > RAIDXpert2 Configuration Utility > Array Management.
9. Delete any existing disk arrays before creating a new one. If no array exists, you may still need to use the "Delete Array" option.
10. To create an array: Navigate to Advanced > RAIDXpert2 Configuration Utility > Array Management > Create Array.
11. Select the desired RAID Level (e.g., RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10).
12. Select the Physical Disks to be used for the array.
13. Configure Array Parameters such as Volume, Array Size, and Cache Settings.
14. Set Select Media Type to "SSD" or leave at "BOTH".
15. Select Check All or specific drives and click Apply Changes.
16. Finally, select Create Array.
17. Press [F10] to save and exit.

STEP 2: Download driver from ASRock's website

Download the "SATA Floppy Image" driver from the ASRock website (https://www.asrock.com/index.asp) and unzip it to your USB flash drive. Alternatively, RAID drivers from the AMD website can be used.

STEP 3: Windows Installation

1. Insert the USB drive with Windows 11 installation files. Restart the system.
2. During boot, press [F11] to access the boot menu. Select the USB drive as a UEFI device. If the system restarts, repeat this step.
3. When the Windows installation disk selection page appears, click Load Driver. Do not delete or create partitions at this stage.
4. Click Browse to locate the driver files on your USB flash drive. Three drivers must be loaded:
   • Navigate to the driver folder (e.g., v9.3.2.130 > NVME_DID > rcbottom) and select AMD-RAID Bottom Device. Click Next.
   • Navigate to the driver folder (e.g., v9.3.2.130 > NVME_DID > rcraid) and select AMD-RAID Controller. Click Next.
   • Navigate to the driver folder (e.g., v9.3.2.130 > NVME_DID > rccfg) and select AMD-RAID Config Device. Click Next.
5. Once the third driver is loaded, a RAID disk will appear. Select the unallocated space and click Next.
6. Follow the remaining Windows installation prompts to complete the process.
7. After Windows installation, install any necessary drivers from the ASRock website (https://www.asrock.com/index.asp).
8. Finally, go to the Boot menu and set Boot Option #1 to Windows Boot Manager (AMD-RAID).

2. AMD Windows RAID Installation Guide

This chapter explains how to configure a RAID volume within the Windows operating system. This is useful for scenarios such as combining SATA SSDs/HDDs with NVMe M.2 SSDs, or vice versa.

2.1 Create a RAID volume under Windows

1. Enter the UEFI Setup Utility by pressing [F2] or [Del] after powering on the computer.
2. Set the SATA Mode option to RAID. (Skip this step if using NVMe SSDs for RAID configuration).
3. Navigate to Advanced > AMD PBS > AMD Common Platform Module and set NVMe RAID mode to Enabled. (Skip this step if using 2.5" or 3.5" SATA drives for RAID configuration).
4. Press [F10] to save the settings and reboot into Windows.
5. Install the "AMD RAID Installer" from the AMD website (https://www.amd.com/en/support). Select "Chipsets," your socket, and chipset, then click "Submit." Locate and download the "AMD RAID Installer."
6. After installing the "AMD RAID Installer," launch "RAIDXpert2" as an administrator.
7. In RAIDXpert2, find "Array" in the menu and click on Create.
8. Select the RAID type, the disks to use for RAID, the desired volume capacity, and then create the RAID array.
9. In Windows, open "Disk Management." You will be prompted to initialize the disk; select GPT and click OK.
10. Right-click on the "Unallocated" section of the disk and select New Simple Volume.
11. Follow the "New Simple Volume Wizard" to create the new volume.
12. Wait for the system to create the volume. The RAID is now available for use.

2.2 Delete a RAID array under Windows

1. In RAIDXpert2, select the array you wish to delete.
2. Find "Array" in the menu and click on Delete.
3. Click Yes to confirm the action.