Gandiva Multimedia Codeset

2M43.exe Gandiva Multimedia Codeset

Multimedia caching scheme
 Use with host applications which issue Read/Write requests of sizes 64KB or larger to the Gandiva. The advantage is even greater if:
   Attendant stripe size for Gandiva is large- 64 or 128 blocks.
   Requests from host are predominantly sequential.
   Queue depth for host requests to Gandiva is small- preferably 1.
   Only one host process is accessing Gandiva for block I/O.
        Still not sure, then use 2T43.

NOTE: Not [every] any Multimedia application will benefit from the Multimedia codeset. Some Multimedia programs generate Reads and Writes of modest sizes (64 blocks or less), which would find the Transaction caching scheme more suitable for their purposes.

Gandiva Transaction Codeset

2T43.exe Gandiva Transaction Codeset

Transaction caching scheme
Generally, hosts which generate small- and medium-sized file I/O, and frequent file-system updates (e.g., most network servers and database systems) are likely to benefit from the transaction codeset. The Gandiva request sizes are typically in the 2KB-to-32KB range. Use of the Multimedia codeset in such a scenario will only produce overheads in finding memory resources to process the hosts requests, resulting in the host perceiving lower data- transfer rates than expected, and commands taking longer to complete.

Usually, multi-user and multi-process systems will find the Gandiva's Transaction Codeset to be a better performer, as they tend to generate random I/O and more frequent commands (especially if the host adapter in the system is making use of the SCSI command-tagging feature).

The stripe-size setting on the array, which is also a factor in the overall performance, is usually small for on-line transaction processing (OLTP) applications- the default of 8 blocks or 16 blocks.

The files are self extracting, they include instructions, ASPI drivers for Adaptec Host Adapters and the DOS download utility raidutil.exe (bootable DOS floppy method). Check the utilities page for other download tools via Novell, Windows 95, and Windows NT.

---

Gandiva Cache Memory

The RAIDION LTX (Gandiva) can accommodate one pair of standard 72 pins SIMM (Parity 72 pins, 60ns, 4, 8, 16, 32 or 64MB) as Cache Memory.  Both pair must be of the same size SIMM.  This provides from 8MB to 128MB of total Cache Memory.

My Gandiva came with a pair of "Lite On" 1036D SIMMs.

The most ideal Cache Memory size is 32MB.  Larger Cache Memory size does not improve performance any further.

Identify Cache Memory size: Serial port,  System Information section via Statistics > System Information.  You can't use the LCD/Keypad.

Battery Backup: The LTX (Gandiva) does not have and can not use the battery backup SIMMs.

Access to SIMM sockets: The controller module must be removed from its plastic housing for desk top towers.

On the Gandiva, the entire top cover must be removed to access the SIMM. Cut the warranty seal is done at your own risk.

RAID configuration information is stored on the disk modules, not on the SIMMs.  So don't worry about loosing your RAID configuration when changing the SIMMs.  But as always, you should backup your data before attempting any changes to the RAID.

9595 Main Page