AMCC 9550SX-8LP User Manual

Before You Begin

3

„

While the 3ware 9550SX RAID controller can be installed in 
both 64-bit PCI and PCI-X slots, not all slots give equal 
performance. 

The 3ware 9550SX controller performs best when installed in a 
PCI-X 133MHz 64-bit slot. However, it can also operate at 
66MHz or 100MHz. 

3ware RAID controllers include two types of LED status 
connectors:

„

Overall indicator, which lights when any drive is active.

„

Individual LED indicators, for each drive. (Not supported on 
chassis that have a common ground.)

If you are building a system from scratch, you may want to consider 
using a chassis or drive carrier that is compatible with the 3ware 
RAID controller activity LEDs, such as the AMCC RDC-400-
SATA drive carrier, available through AMCC. Please check the 
3ware web site (

www.3ware.com

) for chassis and drive carrier 

compatibility list. 

For more information, see “Connecting Drive Activity LED 
Indicators” on page 17.

Most chassis have a single drive activity cable that you can connect 
to the overall activity indicator on the 3ware 9550SX controller. For 
the location of the overall drive activity connector, see the figure for 
the appropriate controller in the installation sections starting on 
page 18, and refer to Table 1, “LED Indicator Pin Positions,” on 
page 20.

 If you are using a chassis that includes a Chassis 

Control Unit (CCU), follow the instructions that came 

with the chassis to connect the I

2

C cable from the CCU 

to the I

2

C connector on the 9550SX.