This section will help you decide which RAID mode is right for your application. For instructions on how to adjust the RAID mode, refer to section Changing the RAID Mode.
Technical note: Capacity varies depending upon RAID mode.
BIG (RAID 0) = 100% total accessible capacity
Safe (RAID 1) = 50% capacity
BIG (also called RAID 0 or “Spanning” in some LaCie devices), allows for the fastest data transmission and capacity of the different RAID settings. Requiring at least 2 drives, RAID 0 stripes data onto each disk. The available capacities of each disk are added together so that one logical volume mounts on the computer.
If one physical disk in the array fails, the data of all disks becomes inaccessible because parts of the data have been written to all disks.
Important info: In BIG mode, if one physical disk fails, the data of both disks become inaccessible.
Before you change the RAID mode of the LaCie Hard Disk MAX, familiarize yourself with the drive’s RAID modes. See RAID.
Caution: Changing configuration modes destroys data stored on the Hard Disk MAX. Back up data before following these steps. Before changing the RAID mode, be sure to copy the User Manual to your computer. If for any reason you lose your User Manual, you can download it from the LaCie website:
http://www.lacie.com/support/
Disks must be inserted correctly in the Hard Disk MAX before configuration can be changed. LaCie recommends limiting contact with the disk drives as much as possible.
Important info: Your LaCie Hard Disk MAX comes preconfigured in BIG (RAID 0) mode. BIG mode allows access to the whole storage capacity but does not provide any security. If a drive fails, all data will be lost. If you are concerned about data security, LaCie highly recommends a Safe (RAID 1) configuration. See
RAID.
If your LaCie storage device is no longer within the warranty period, please use the directions below to replace a failed disk with a healthy disk purchased from a third party. LaCie recommends selecting a disk that is the same model number and capacity as the one it will replace.
Replace a hard drive
Follow the directions below to remove and replace a failed drive.
Remove the hard drive
Caution: After continuous use of the LaCie storage device, drives may be hot. Please use caution when removing one or both drives.
Note on Warranty: While performing the operation below, you may encounter stickers that warn of voiding the warranty. Please make certain that a LaCie Technical Support representative has confirmed the problem and instructed you to move ahead with the disk removal. Performing the action before speaking with a technician may void the warranty.
Identify the failed disk. Hard Disk MAX: The drive's LED has turned red. Network Space MAX: Consult the RAID page in the Dashboard.
Hard Disk MAX only: Note the RAID switch position (BIG = RAID 0, SAFE = RAID 1).
Turn off and unplug the LaCie device.
The top enclosure must be removed to access the drives. Use your index finger to gently pull the front lip of the casing, specifically in the center, where the top shell clasps to the bottom plate.
Once it is unclasped, carefully pry the top shell from the bottom plate.
Unfasten the screws holding the drive to the bay. Each disk is fastened to a bay by four screws, two on each side.
Remove the failed drive.
Return the failed drive to LaCie as explained by the LaCie Customer Support representative.
Replace the hard drive
Important info: LaCie recommends using a disk that is the same model number and capacity as the one it will replace.
Once you have received the replacement drive:
Carefully insert the replacement drive into the empty drive bay. When fastening the drive to the bay, please make certain to use the same four screws that were included with the device. Using other screws could damage the unit and void your warranty.
Close the casing.
Hard Disk MAX only: Please make certain that the RAID switch position (BIG, SAFE) has not changed.
Turn on the LaCie storage device. If the RAID setting is RAID 1, the front LED will blink blue and the rear LED will blink red during the rebuild. A RAID 1 rebuild may take several hours depending upon the capacity of your disks.
Technical note: Data is accessible during a RAID 1 rebuild. However, performance may be affected.
Replace the enclosure
Follow the directions below to remove and replace a failed or failing enclosure.
Caution: After continuous use of the LaCie storage device, drives may be hot. Please use caution when removing one or both drives.
Note on Warranty: While performing the operation below, you may encounter stickers that warn of voiding the warranty. Please make certain that a LaCie Technical Support representative has confirmed the problem and instructed you to move ahead with the disk removal. Performing the action before speaking with a technician may void the warranty.
Remove the disks from the enclosure
Hard Disk MAX only: Before removing the enclosure, please note the position of the RAID switch (BIG or SAFE).
Turn off and unplug the LaCie storage device.
The enclosure must be opened to remove the drives. Use your index finger to gently pull the front lip of the casing, specifically in the center, where the top shell clasps to the bottom plate.
Once it is unclasped, carefully pry the top shell from the bottom plate.
Unfasten the screws holding the drive to the bay. Each disk is fastened to a bay by four screws, two on each side.
Remove the drives from the bays of the failing enclosure. Please place the disks in a safe place along with the eight screws that hold them to the enclosure. Note the bay that each disk came from (bottom and top).
Return the failing enclosure to LaCie as explained by the LaCie Customer Support representative.
Insert the disks into the replacement enclosure
Once you have received the replacement enclosure from LaCie:
Open the replacement enclosure and carefully insert the drives into the same bay locations they held in the original enclosure. When fastening the drives to their bays, please make certain to use the same eight screws that were included with the device. Using other screws could damage the unit and void your warranty.
Close the replacement enclosure and make certain that the RAID switch is the same as the original enclosure.
Connect the enclosure to your computer and turn it on.