? Build 2 Raids Using ONLY Z68 MB ?

[Marsh0144]

ASRock Z68 Extreme4 just ordered, and I have 2 twin SSDs and 2 twin HHDs. Can I configure 2 RAIDS [one Raid 0 & second raid 1] using only the Z68? -OR- Will I need to add an additional hardware Raid interface?

[Marsh0144]

Re: ? Build 2 Raids Using ONLY Z68 MB ? - With Answer!!

The answer is YES

I used Windows 7 OS software/raid function; therefore, had to load OS twice.
My story - New ASRock Z68 Ex 4 - first time to build a PC. Drives are blank & MB has never had power up. You will loose all data/programs/information; therefore, this was a new-build thing!

Here were my steps:
1 - Install CPU, PSU, DVD player (with Windows 7 install) & ONE Drive (D1) on new MB (@ any of these SATA3_0, _1, SATA2_2 to _5).
2 - Power-up to UEFI utility, via F2 key -as soon as NUM Lock goes green-, during the Power-On-Self-Test
3 - Goto Advanced > Storage Configuration > SATA Mode > select RAID Mode
4 - Goto Exit > Save Changes and Exit
5 - Boot-up via DVD with Windows 7 and then install OS onto D1 -
After OS is fully installed then comes the TRICK it took me forever to discover.

6 - Power down and connect second disk D2

7 - Power-up again and then VERY QUICKLY start keying CTRL+I. That invokes the "Intel (R) RAID for Serial ATA - RAID Configuration Utility" If you get to the splash screen it is too late! Power-up again, do not go to Windows until you catch this utility screen. NOTE: you do not need to creat a Floppy Diskette or do the F6 stuffffff!
8 - After pressing the CTRL+I (simultaneously) I was in the Intel (R) RAID for Serial ATA - RAID Configuration Utility. Press <1> Create RAID Volume) <ENTER>name RAID Disk <ENTER>Select RAID0 or RAID1 level <ENTER>Select strip size <ENTER>this moves to final "Create Volume" prompt <ENTER><Y>(I was sure that I wanted to create that RAID Volume) Scroll to option <4> (Exit).
9 - Boot-up via DVD with Windows 7 and then install OS onto "new" RAID Volume

After OS is fully installed then comes the TRICK it took me forever to discover.

10 - Power down and connect other drives for the second RAID Volume (@ any of these SATA3_0, _1, SATA2_2 to _5)
11 - Repeat steps 7 & 8.
*TA***DA*
Two Software RAID Volumes