Help

Start a discussion
UNSOLVED

jerry_uci

updated

21 years ago

J

jerry_uci

8 Posts

0

22000

April 27th, 2006 03:00

Does GX620 Intel 945G chipset support RAID?

According to the Intel web site, the Intel 945G chipset supports RAID (they describe it as their Matrix Storage). Since the Optiplex GX620 uses the Intel 945G chipset, can I implement RAID on the GX620? If so, how? If not, why not since it is the 945G chipset?

Thanks

Jerry
  • E

    EMT64

    2 Intern

    •

    299 Posts

    413

    0

    Posted April 27th, 2006 11:00

    In the intel 945G chipset, the southbridge is a Intel ICH7 (82801GB) or a ICH7R (82801GR). These southbridges operate in 3 modes:
     
    RAID mode or SATA mode = RAID enabled and AHCI enabled
    AHCI mode = RAID disabled and AHCI enabled
    IDE mode = RAID disabled and AHCI disabled
     
    The southbridge in GX620 is in IDE mode, and it seems you cannot change the operation mode to AHCI or RAID/SATA.
     
    Conclusion: If you can enable RAID in GX620... PLEASE TELL ME HOW!
     

    Message Edited by EMT64 on 04-27-200610:21 AM

  • J

    jerry_uci

    8 Posts

    413

    0

    Posted April 28th, 2006 18:00

    Changing the operating mode of the ICH7 should be possible via the setup BIOS settings, but it may be that Dell does not make that possible via their BIOS. Since I have not received the GX620 yet (and have not looked at the startup BIOS) I can only guess about this.

    That raises the question of is there some other way to change the operating mode of the ICH7?

    Jerry
  • J

    jerry_uci

    8 Posts

    413

    0

    Posted April 28th, 2006 19:00

    I found out more information in the Intel document located at:

    ftp://download.intel.com/design/chipsets/datashts/30701302.pdf

    The ICH7 controller comes in different models. The "base" model does not support RAID. In order for the ICH7 to support RAID a RAID Option ROM must be installed, and the "Matrix Storage Manager" drivers are needed.

    Based on this information, my guess is that since Dell does not indicate that the GX620 supports RAID, then the GX620 probably does not have the RAID Option ROM installed.

    When I get the GX620 I will look at the system board, but I now no longer think the GX620 can be modified to support RAID.

    Jerry

Dell Support Resources

Latest Solutions

View More