Will A7N8X recognize RAID array from A7V333?

[sanaka]

Hi.

I've been running a simple two IDE (not SATA) drive RAID1 mirror array on my A7V333, using the on-board Promise RAID controller (chip PDC20276).

Unfortunately, I just experienced a bad BIOS flash on the 333 board, so I can't access anything at all, can't even attempt another BIOS flash. So I'm figuring this is a good opportunity to upgrade my MoBo. However, regaining access to my hard drives is the prime concern.

If I get say a A7N8X-E deluxe board, will it's RAID controller recognize my array? Or at least one of the hard drives as a stand alone, from which I can then rebuild?

Asus can sell me a new BIOS chip for the 333, but it would be $55 to get it here in Hawaii. So $100 for a whole new, better board seems more worth it, IF I can regain drive access.

As always, my thanks for your esteemed input.

Peace,
Sanaka

 

[OLtimrNewbie]

Hello Sanaka
I think it may work. If it doesn't; it's because the Promise Raid controller looks different to the O/S on the HDD than the Sil 3112a controller. Try hooking just one drive up as either IDE 1 master or on the SATA 1; and see if it boots up okay. I did something similar and the O/S spotted the difference; but let me proceed. After all was updated and the data was written over to the second drive on the created Raid 1; the O/S said I have 3 - THREE days to re-register XP. ( of course; if you're using 98-ME or 2000, you won't have that problem ) If both of the HDD's had good data them when the board (Bios) failed. Just using one drive will protect the data. (You will still have good data on the drive you don't install; should something amiss happen to corrupt the data on the installed drive). In the money layout: $55 for a new Bios chip ( likely the lastest rev.) is still cheaper than the new MB at a $100 and would guarantee no problems with seeing the data. Or search the MB makers for a board that uses the same Raid controller chip as your original board.

Good luck

 

[sanaka]

Thanks! For now, I'm getting a new BIOS chip from Badflash.com. I realize this MoBo is still quite alright for me anyway.

Peace,
Sanaka

 

[OLtimrNewbie]

I think that's the right decision.... and Peace to you.