Article ID: 000033863 Content Type: Install & Setup Last Reviewed: 07/12/2021

How to create a RAID using M.2 SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) drives on an Intel® Server System R2000WF Family

Environment

Intel® Server System R2000WF Family

osindependentfamily

BUILT IN - ARTICLE INTRO SECOND COMPONENT
Summary

This article describes the steps to create a RAID using M.2 modules on an Intel® Server System R2000WF Family.

Description

How to create a RAID array using M.2 drives on an Intel® Server System R2000WF Family.
RAID array creation with the Intel® Embedded Server RAID Technology 2 (ESRT2) or Intel® Rapid Storage Technology enterprise (Intel® RSTe) using M.2 SATA drive on an Intel® Server System R2000WF Family.

Resolution

The LSI RAID controller, also known as the Intel® Embedded Server RAID Technology 2 (ESRT2) is not supported to create arrays using M.2 SATA modules in Legacy or UEFI Mode.

The M.2 modules are controlled by the sSATA ports and this controller can be used with the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology enterprise (Intel® RSTe) only, and can be configured in UEFI and Legacy Mode (Ctrl+I).

Complete the next steps to configure Intel® Rapid Storage Technology enterprise (Intel® RSTe) either in UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) or Legacy mode to create an array.

Intel® Rapid Storage Technology enterprise (Intel® RSTe) in Legacy or UEFI mode.
Steps:

  1. Connect two M.2 SATA modules drives that conform to a 2280 (80mm) form factor.
  2. Power on the Server. When prompted, press F2 to enter the system BIOS.
  3. Disable Quiet Boot from the Main option.
  4. Navigate to Boot Maintenance Manager > Advanced Boot Options.
  5. Set Boot Mode to UEFI and Video Bios to UEFI (if Legacy wants to be configured skip to step 14).
  6. Press F10 key to save the settings and restart the server.
  7. Go back to the system BIOS by pressing the F2 key.
  8. Navigate to Advanced > PCI Configuration > UEFI Option ROM Control > Intel® RSTe sSATA Controller.
  9. Drives should be appearing on the screen.
  10. Select Create RAID Volume and complete the volume settings as follow:
    • Type in the name of the volume.
    • Select the type of RAID level.
    • Select the disk using the up and down arrow keys and the space bar to select the desired drive (M.2 modules and mechanical hard drive can be selected).
    • Type in the capacity of the volume.
    • Select Create Volume and hit the Enter key, system will return to the Main Menu automatically.
  11. Press Escape key to Exit, then select Yes.
  12. Skip to step 25.
  13. Set Boot Mode to Legacy mode.
  14. Press F10 key to save the settings and restart the server.
  15. Go back to the system BIOS by pressing the F2 key.
  16. Navigate to Advanced > Mass Storage Controller Configuration.
  17. Enter to sSATA Port 0-5.
  18. Set AHCI Capable (s)SATA Controller to RAID Mode.
  19. The (s)SATA RAID Options will set automatically to Intel® RSTe and it will be grayed out, leaving no option to change to Intel® ESRT2 (LSI*).
  20. Press F10 key to save the settings and restart the server.
  21. When the system restarts, hold down the Control key and press I when prompted during post to enter Intel® Rapid Storage Technology enterprise (Intel® RSTe) - SATA option ROM.
  22. Select Create RAID Volume and complete the volume settings as follow:
    • Type in the name of the volume.
    • Select the type of RAID level.
    • Select the disk using the up and down arrow keys and the space bar to select the desired drive (M.2 modules and mechanical hard drive can be selected).
    • Type in the capacity of the volume.
    • Select Create Volume and hit the Enter key, system will return to the Main Menu automatically.
  23. Press Escape to Exit the utility, select Yes.
  24. Launch Windows Setup and load the RAID driver shown below:

VROC and RSTe Driver for Windows*, Version: 5.3.0.1413 (Latest) Date: 9/12/2017

Additional information

Unfamiliar with Embedded RAID II Configuration Utility.