[Lula] Linux driver for Intel Storage MAnager (RAID)

[Konstantin Antselovich]

TheBlueSage wrote:
> Hi Folks,
> 
> I am trying to install Ubuntu Server on a nice little two drive
> server-machine, but am having problems.
> 
> The server was shipped to me with this Raid controller :
> 
> Intel Matrix Storage Manager option ROM v5.6.2.1002 ICH7R wRAID
>

ICHR7R (as  well as other ICH<n>R-series controller from Intel) is a
so-called fake raid aka host raid.  RAID functions on such controllers
are implemented in software driver for an OS. The only difference from
from software raid is that volumes  created by a host raid controllers
can be managed by utilities stored in BIOS, in addition to tools that
need an operation system running.

> I can set the two drives as a nice RAID1 (mirror) all is good.
> 
> However, when I go to create the partitions in the Linux install, it
> cannot see the volume...
> 
> I have googled and visited the Intel site, and they do not have anythig
> for a 2.6 kernel. Only for 2.4
> 
> anyone know of anything I can do ?

I am unfamiliar with ubuntu installer, but you can try to use 'dmraid'
module and tool as Michael suggested.

To do that  you need either to follow Ubuntu-specific recipe  on the
subject or use a generic directions:

before ubuntu installer will go to 'select disk[s] for installation',
drop to a command line  using CTRL+<F1> (or F2 or F3)  and type 'dmraid
-a y' which will enable ICH<n>R volume.

OR  you can use linux software raid, which might be even better.


-Konstantin

> 
> Richard

--
Konstantin Antselovich
email: konstantin at antselovich.com
http://konstantin.antselovich.com