How to Install RST Drivers Without Windows

Intel Rapid Storage Technology (RST) drivers are essential for optimizing the performance of storage devices on a computer. However, if you need to install or update these drivers on a system that does not run Windows, such as a Linux-based operating system, the process is different from the standard Windows installation. This guide will walk you through how to install RST drivers on non-Windows systems, focusing on Linux-based platforms.

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For Linux Users:

Step 1: Determine Your System’s Requirements

1. Identify Your Hardware:
   • Use commands like lspci or lsblk to identify your storage controller and devices.
   bash

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   lspci | grep -i storage
lsblk

2. Check Existing Drivers:
   • Determine if the required drivers are already available in your Linux kernel or if you need to obtain specific drivers.
   bash

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   sudo lshw -C disk


Step 2: Install Intel RST Drivers via Kernel Modules

1. Update Your System:
   • Ensure your system is up-to-date, as the latest kernel may have improved support for Intel RST.
   bash

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   sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y

2. Install Required Packages:
   • Some distributions may require specific packages to build or install drivers. Install development tools and kernel headers.
   bash

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   sudo apt install build-essential linux-headers-$(uname -r)

3. Check for Built-in Support:
   • Many modern Linux kernels come with built-in support for Intel RST. You can check if your kernel already supports your RAID configuration.
   bash

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   sudo dmesg | grep -i raid


   If the required support is available, no additional drivers are needed.

Step 3: Download and Install Intel RST Drivers (if necessary)

1. Visit Intel’s Website:
   • Go to the Intel Support website and search for RST drivers or software for Linux.
2. Download the Driver Package:
   • If available, download the appropriate driver package for your Linux distribution.
3. Install the Driver:
   • Follow the installation instructions provided by Intel. This usually involves extracting the downloaded package and running an installation script.
   bash

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   tar -xzvf <driver-package>.tar.gz
cd <driver-directory>
sudo ./install.sh


Step 4: Configure RAID and Storage

1. Configure RAID Arrays:
   • Use tools like mdadm (for software RAID) to configure RAID arrays if required.
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   sudo mdadm --create --verbose /dev/md0 --level=0 --raid-devices=2 /dev/sd[ab]

2. Verify RAID Configuration:
   • Check the RAID status and verify that your arrays are functioning correctly.
   bash

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   cat /proc/mdstat


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For Other Operating Systems:

For macOS:

1. Native Support:
   • macOS typically does not support Intel RST directly, as it uses its own storage management. You may not need to install specific drivers.
2. Use Third-Party Software:
   • If necessary, consult third-party tools or support forums for potential solutions.

For BSD Systems:

1. Check Documentation:
   • Refer to the documentation for FreeBSD, OpenBSD, or other BSD variants for guidance on RAID and storage drivers.
2. Use Available Tools:
   • Utilize native tools and utilities provided by the BSD operating system for storage management and RAID configuration.

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FAQs:

1. What if Intel RST drivers are not available for my Linux distribution?

• You might need to use the built-in kernel drivers or look for alternative RAID management solutions compatible with your distribution.

2. How can I check if my RAID array is functioning correctly?

• Use commands like mdadm --detail /dev/md0 or check /proc/mdstat to monitor the status of RAID arrays.

3. Are there any compatibility issues with Intel RST on Linux?

• Some features of Intel RST may not be fully supported on Linux. Consult the Intel RST Documentation and Linux community forums for specific compatibility details.

4. Can I use Intel RST features on a non-Windows system?

• While some basic RAID functions are supported, advanced features of Intel RST may require Windows-specific drivers and software.

5. How do I uninstall RST drivers if needed?

• If installed via a package manager, use the appropriate package removal commands. For manually installed drivers, follow the uninstallation instructions provided with the driver package.

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Final Thoughts

Installing Intel RST drivers without Windows requires a different approach depending on your operating system. While Linux and other non-Windows systems may offer native support or alternative tools for managing storage, ensuring compatibility with your hardware is crucial. For more detailed instructions or troubleshooting, refer to the Intel Support or specific community forums for your operating system.