Intel VROC Installation and RAID Creation on ASUS Server

Intel VROC Installation and RAID Creation on ASUS Server

Intel VROC Installation and RAID Creation on ASUS Server

Intel Virtual RAID on CPU, or Intel VROC, is a hybrid RAID storage solution for NVMe solid-state drives (SSDs) that connects directly to Intel Xeon Scalable Processors using the PCIe expansion connection. Intel® Virtual RAID on CPU (Intel® VROC) is an enterprise RAID solution that maximizes the performance of NVMe* SSDs. Intel® VROC is supported via a feature in Intel® Xeon® Scalable processors known as the Intel® Volume Management Device (Intel® VMD), which is an integrated controller located within the CPU's PCIe root complex.
Intel® VROC Is a Complete RAID Solution, Including:
  • High performance due to direct connect of SSDs
  • Platform integrated storage controller functions provided by Intel® VMD
  • Boot and Data RAID
  • Scalable to many devices and RAID arrays
  • Support for SATA and NVMe RAID arrays

VROC Hardware Installation

For to create Raid on NVMe SSD’s, Intel VROC hardware key must be inserted on the motherboard, without the intel VROC hardware key RAID 0 will be available.
Server Model- RS700-E10-RS4U
VROC Module Part Number: VROCSTANMOD
Description: Intel VROC Standard Raid Hardware Key

To open the cover, remove the screws on the sides and slide it.


·     

 Unbox the VROC hardware key


Connect/plug the VROC Key into the motherboard.



Once the installation is finished, close the server and switch it on, enabling the VROC on the BIOS.

Enabling VROC in BIOS

To access BIOS, Press DEL or F2 Key 
Once grand the access to BIOS, Go to Advance settings, Disable the secure boot if its enabled

     
After Disable the CMD , Enable VMD for CPU2 to detect NVMe SSD on VROC, To enable it go to Socket Configuration


From the IIO configuration, Select Intel VMD Technology


From intel VMD technology, select intel VMD for Volume management device on Socket1 and enter


From the tab, select and enable VMD config for IOU3 and 4  


Once its enabled, Save and Exit the BIOS by pressing F10 and start creating Raid

Creating RAID in VROC

Once the server Restart, enter into bios and confirm the NVMe M.2 SSDs and intel® Virtual RAID ON CPU options are visible.


To create Raid Configuration, select and enter into Intel® Virtual RAID on CPU.


Select All intel VMD Controllers


Once you enter the tab, it will display all the available drives to create RAID


To create RAID, Go to Create RAID Volume


Select a NAME for RAID Volume



Select the RAID level (RAID 1 or RAID 0)


Select Disks by pressing Space bar on Keyboard


View and verify the available storages, then press create volume tab to create the RAID. Then select yes to confirm.


·        After successfully configuring the Raid, exit the BIOS and install the OS.

·        VROC driver installation might required, for the OS to detect the created RAID volume.

·        Driver Download Link

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/download/19126/intel-virtual-raid-on-cpu-intel-vroc-and-intel-rapid-storage-technology-enterprise-intel-rste-windows-driver-for-intel-server-boards-and-systems-based-on-intel-62x-chipset.html


For additional information on VROC, please refer the link 




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