This article provides information and guidance on the ASRock X58 SuperComputer SATA RAID Driver 1.19, a crucial component for users looking to configure RAID arrays on systems utilizing the ASRock X58 SuperComputer motherboard and install older operating systems like Windows XP or Vista. This driver enables the operating system to recognize and interact with SATA hard drives configured in a RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) setup during the installation process.
Understanding the Need for SATA RAID Drivers
Modern operating systems generally include built-in drivers for standard SATA controllers, allowing them to recognize and utilize hard drives connected in AHCI (Advanced Host Controller Interface) mode without additional drivers. However, when configuring a RAID array, the operating system needs specific drivers to understand the RAID controller’s configuration and access the drives as a single logical volume. Older operating systems, such as Windows XP and Vista, often lack these built-in RAID drivers, necessitating the use of a driver disk during the installation process. This is where the ASRock X58 SuperComputer SATA RAID Driver 1.19 becomes essential.
What is the ASRock X58 SuperComputer SATA RAID Driver 1.19?
The ASRock X58 SuperComputer SATA RAID Driver 1.19 is a software package specifically designed to enable RAID functionality on the ASRock X58 SuperComputer motherboard when installing older operating systems. It provides the necessary drivers for the operating system to recognize and manage SATA hard drives configured in a RAID array during the Windows installation process. Without this driver, the operating system might not be able to detect the hard drives, preventing installation on the RAID volume.
Key Features and Functionality
- RAID Support: Enables the use of RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10 configurations on the ASRock X58 SuperComputer motherboard.
- Operating System Compatibility: Specifically designed for Windows XP (32-bit and 64-bit) and Windows Vista (32-bit and 64-bit).
- Floppy Disk Installation: Designed for installation via a floppy disk during the operating system setup process, a common practice for older operating systems.
- Enhanced Storage Performance: Allows users to take advantage of the performance benefits of RAID configurations, such as increased read/write speeds and data redundancy.
Supported Operating Systems:
- Windows XP (32-bit)
- Windows XP (64-bit)
- Windows Vista (32-bit)
- Windows Vista (64-bit)
Installation Guide: A Step-by-Step Approach
Before you begin, it’s crucial to understand that this driver is primarily intended for users planning to install Windows XP or Vista on a SATA RAID array. If you are not using RAID, installing this driver is unnecessary. Here’s a detailed guide on how to install the ASRock X58 SuperComputer SATA RAID Driver 1.19:
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Download and Extract the Driver: Download the ASRock X58 SuperComputer SATA RAID Driver 1.19 from a reliable source.
Driver Download Link: https://www.techspot.com/drivers/driver/file/information/11311/Extract the contents of the downloaded ZIP file to a temporary folder on your hard drive.
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Prepare a Floppy Disk: Locate an empty floppy disk. Copy all the extracted files and folders from the temporary folder to the floppy disk. This floppy disk will be used during the Windows installation process.
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Configure BIOS Settings: Enter the BIOS setup of your ASRock X58 SuperComputer motherboard. Locate the "SATA Operation Mode" option (or a similar setting related to SATA configuration). Change this setting to "RAID" mode. This is a critical step to enable RAID functionality. Save the changes and exit the BIOS.
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Begin Windows Installation: Boot your computer from the Windows XP or Vista installation media (CD or USB).
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Press F6 During Setup: As the Windows setup begins, watch for a prompt that says something like "Press F6 to install third-party RAID or SCSI driver." Press the F6 key when this prompt appears.
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Insert the Floppy Disk: The setup program will ask you to insert the disk containing the RAID driver. Insert the floppy disk you created in Step 2 into the floppy drive.
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Select the Driver: The system will read the floppy disk and display a list of available drivers. Select the appropriate driver for your operating system (Windows XP or Vista, 32-bit or 64-bit).
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Continue Installation: Follow the on-screen prompts to continue the Windows installation process. The operating system should now be able to detect the RAID array and allow you to install Windows on it.
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RAID Configuration (Post-Installation): After Windows installation is complete, you will need to use the RAID configuration utility (usually included on the motherboard’s support CD or downloadable from ASRock’s website) to configure your RAID arrays. This utility allows you to define the RAID level (RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10, etc.) and manage the RAID volume. Refer to your motherboard’s user manual for detailed instructions on using the RAID configuration utility.
Alternative Download Links for ASRock X58 SuperComputer SATA RAID Driver 1.19:
Due to the age of this driver, finding it on official sources might be challenging. Here are a few alternative sources where you might find the ASRock X58 SuperComputer SATA RAID Driver 1.19:
- Softpedia: https://drivers.softpedia.com/get/MOTHERBOARD/ASRock/ASRock-X58-SuperComputer-SATA-RAID-Driver-1-19.shtml
- DriverGuide: (Requires registration, download at your own risk) https://www.driverguide.com/driver/detail.php?driverid=1642127
- DriverPack Solution: (Use with caution, as DriverPack Solution installs other drivers as well) https://drp.su/en/devices/motherboard/asrock/x58-supercomputer?o=windows-xp-x86
- Archive.org (Wayback Machine): Searching archive.org for the ASRock website might reveal archived driver download pages.
- Third-Party Driver Sites: Be cautious when downloading from unofficial driver sites, as they may contain malware. Only download from reputable sources.
Important Considerations:
- Floppy Drive Requirement: This driver requires a working floppy drive for installation. Floppy drives are becoming increasingly rare, so you might need to acquire one if your system doesn’t have one.
- BIOS Configuration: Ensure that your BIOS is configured correctly for RAID mode before attempting to install the driver.
- RAID Array Setup: The ASRock X58 SuperComputer SATA RAID Driver 1.19 only handles the driver installation during the OS install. You’ll need to use the RAID utility provided by ASRock (usually found on the support CD or website) to configure your actual RAID array after the operating system is installed.
- Driver Compatibility: This driver is specifically designed for the ASRock X58 SuperComputer motherboard. Using it on other motherboards might cause compatibility issues.
Troubleshooting Common Issues:
- Floppy Disk Errors: If you encounter errors reading the floppy disk, try using a different floppy disk or floppy drive.
- Driver Not Recognized: If the setup program doesn’t recognize the driver, ensure that you have selected the correct driver for your operating system and that the SATA operation mode is set to RAID in the BIOS.
- Blue Screen Errors: If you encounter blue screen errors during or after installation, it might indicate a driver incompatibility or a problem with your RAID configuration. Check your hardware and BIOS settings.
Conclusion
The ASRock X58 SuperComputer SATA RAID Driver 1.19 is a vital component for users aiming to leverage RAID functionality on the ASRock X58 SuperComputer motherboard when installing older operating systems like Windows XP and Vista. By following the installation guide and understanding the key considerations, users can successfully install this driver and take advantage of the performance and data redundancy benefits of RAID configurations. The ASRock X58 SuperComputer SATA RAID Driver 1.19 is a tool that is still needed by some users. Remember to exercise caution when downloading from unofficial sources and always refer to your motherboard’s user manual for detailed instructions on RAID configuration. The ASRock X58 SuperComputer SATA RAID Driver 1.19 is a very important driver for the RAID setup of older OS.