Question about Compaq Smart Array Controller

[Fofo]

I was rebuilding some servers at work and the first 2 I worked on were Compaq DL 380, DL 580. I started working on a Compaq 1850R and there was no Smart Array Controller in it, so I couldn't configure my drivers to MIRRORING. Now the other 2 servers I previously worked on didnt have any cards in the expansion slots and it deteced the Smart Array Controller. the 1850 didnt have anything in the expansion slot so I had to ADD the 3200 smart array controller to it so I could configure my drives. My question is, how come this machine need the physical card in order for me to configure my array and the other 2 didnt need a card yet I was able to configure my array and it indeed detected a controller card upon POST. Do the other servers have integrated controller cards, and the 1850 does not?

Thanks

[MTAtech]

I've got a number of Compaq servers, 7000, 8500, & DL580. I'm not familiar with the 1850. Is that an old model? If so, it may not have a built-in controller.

I seem to remember having trouble installing Windows 2000 Server on them. Windows doesn't have the drivers and requires you to provide them. The trouble is there is more than one type of Smart Array Controller. I also seem to remember that to establish RAID you need to run a special Compaq utility that runs separate from the OS.

[Fofo]

Yes you need to run SmartStart to configure the servers. Also the 1850 is an older model, I'm just getting some practice building them.