VT6421A Serial RAID Controller

The VIA VT6421A controller delivers the benefits of Serial ATA and RAID in a cost effective and easily integrated single chip package, providing Serial ATA technology to enable platform providers and systems builders to satisfy the requirements of multiple market segments.

Supporting PCI and Cardbus (PCMCIA) interfaces, the VIA VT6421A provide card vendors the flexibility to design Serial ATA RAID controller cards for the PCs and mobile systems. The VIA Vectro VT6421 enables combo solutions with USB 2.0 and IEEE1394, allowing customers to combine new emerging communication technologies with Serial ATA functionality, extending support for physical storage interfaces to external peripheral devices, while maintaining connectivity to the installed base.

Benefits of VIA Vectro VT6421A

Flexibility: Support for Serial ATA and Ultra ATA/133/100/66 enables system builders to add complete ATA and ATAPI drive support to their product line-up. Additional support for combo solutions extends connectivity options, increasing flexibility for system builders to design a variety of Serial ATA RAID controller cards, satisfying requirements of multiple market segments.

Performance: The dual channel Serial ATA of the VIA VT6421A provides data transfer rates of up to 150MB/s per channel, faster than any previous IDE interface and supporting up to two SATA devices.

Flexible Configuration Options: Supporting multi-level RAID, the VIA VT6421A enables end users to configure their hard drives for maximum performance, maximum assurance for critical data security or maximum capacity, while backwards compatible to the Parallel ATA specification, enabling connectivity to the installed base.

Description

Compliant with the Serial ATA specification 1.0, the VIA VT6421A offers high performance Serial ATA RAID functionality to the full spectrum of PC processor platforms for desktops, mobile systems and servers. Supporting all kinds of ATA and ATAPI devices, including HDDs, CDs, DVDs, high capacity removable devices and featuring 32-bit PCI and PCMCIA interfaces, the VIA VT6420 enables seamless transition to the emerging Serial ATA technology for PCs and mobile systems.

The VIA VT6421A features two Serial ATA channels, supporting up to two devices and one Parallel ATA channel supporting two devices. Featuring PCMCIA interface, the Cardbus mode supports up to two Serial ATA devices. With dual channel Serial ATA, the VIA VT6421A delivers 12% more bandwidth than ATA-133 for data transfer between storage devices and CPU, bursting up to 150Mbps of data per channel and offering a significant performance improvement in data intensive and bulk storage application.

The VIA VT6421A provides multilevel RAID support including RAID level 0 for maximum performance, RAID Level 1 for maximum security and JBOD. To ensure backwards compatibility the VIA VT6421A also integrates a single channel parallel ATA-133 controller, eliminating the need for adaptors.

Featuring simple and practical cabling for improved airflow in the chassis, the VIA VT6421A enables OEMs and system builders to design smaller chassis, satisfying market demand for smaller and more compact PC systems. Smaller cable connectors with improved silicon design with a common location for both 3.5 inch and 2.5 inch drives save space and simplifies PC integration tooling and chassis design, while the lower voltage signaling of the VIA VT6421A alleviates the 5V tolerance support for Parallel ATA designs. Being compatible with a wide range of ATA and ATAPI devices, the VIA VT6421A equips OEMs and system builders with the flexibility to reach multiple market segments and price points.

The VIA VT6421A is the ideal solution for PC and mobile systems users to easily upgrade their storage devices and incorporates the emerging Serial ATA RAID standard into their systems, taking full advantage of the higher bandwidth, faster data transfer rates, improved data integrity and robustness of Serial ATA technology. Featuring a point-to-point host to device connection, installation is simple without the need for configuration as no jumper setting is required.

Backward compatibility with existing operating system drivers, the VIA VT6421A requires no update to software. The VIA VT6421A is compatible with a complete range of Intel, AMD and VIA based processing platforms, Microsoft ® Windows ® 9x/ME/NT4/2K/XP and major Linux based Operating Systems.

VT6421A Block Diagram

Key Features

RAID Controller
» Supports RAID Level 0, RAID Level 1 and JBOD

PCI Interface
» 33 MHz operation
» Supports PCI 2X mode and PCI native modes
» Complies with PCI Local Bus Specification Revision 2.2

Ultra ATA-133 / IDE interface
» Single channel master mode hard disk controller supporting two enhanced IDE devices
» Redefined Bus Master Programming interface for IDE controllers to support up to four bus masters in a single function
» Supports ATA PIO mode 4, multi-word DMA mode 2 drivers and UltraDMA- mode6
» Extension to Ultra DMA-133 interface for up to 133MB/s transfer rate
» Complies with ATA/ATAPI-6

Serial ATA Interface
» Complies with Serial ATA Specification Revision 1.0
» Supports internal PHY with each PHY supporting up to two SATA devices
» Dual channel master mode PCI supporting up to two SATA devices
» Support data transfer rates of up to 150Mbps per SATA channel

Other Features
» Supports external FLASH or EEPROM for BIOS expansion and RAID functions

Power Supply
» 3.3V for PCI and IDE operation
» 2.5V for Oscillator and Serial ATA port operation

Package
» 0.22um, lower power CMOS process
» 14x20mm, 128 pin PQFP

Driver & Support FAQs

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about VIA products; please click on the section below you would like more information on.

If you are looking for technical support, please visit here.

General Support

Operating System

General Support

RAM & CPUs

Q: How much RAM can I put on my motherboard? Which CPUs can I use?

A: For VIA EPIA and VB motherboards, please select your board from the main menu or for legacy products from the EOL section to check the board specifications. For partner motherboards that feature a VIA chipset, VIA cannot advise you on the maximum RAM, HDD capacity, CPU type or any other compatibility/capability issues with your motherboard as it depends on how the motherboard manufacturer has implemented the chipset. Two motherboards based on the same chipset may have different limits. This information must be obtained from the motherboard manufacturer or the motherboard manual.

Drivers

VIA Hyperion Pro Drivers

The VIA Hyperion Pro drivers contain all of the main platform drivers for VIA chipsets. The current release of these drivers is included in Windows 7, 8, and 10 , so at this time there is no need for a separate VIA Hyperion Pro package that supports these Windows versions. However, as updates occur, a package will be released when needed.

Q: I use a legacy Microsoft Windows desktop operating system (i.e. Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 98SE, Windows ME, Windows 2000, Windows XP or Windows Vista) and have a problem with a VIA chipset, or integrated graphics driver, or a system with a VIA chipset. Where can I obtain support?

A: Microsoft and VIA no longer provide official updates or support for these legacy operating systems. VIA chipset and graphics drivers released for use with these operating systems are available from our VIA Driver Downloads Portal; however, VIA no longer supports these driver packages.

Q: Where can I obtain a BIOS for my VIA EPIA, VB series or other embedded motherboard?

A: From the main menu highlight the “Boards” tab and select your model, you will find the latest BIOS available for download under the Downloads tab. If your model does not appear in the main menu please look in the EOL section of the website.

Q: Where can I obtain a BIOS for my motherboard? It has a VIA chipset.

A: All BIOS need to be obtained from the motherboard manufacturer’s website, not the chipset manufacturer’s website. For example, if you have an MSI motherboard with a VIA chipset, you need to get your BIOS from MSI, not from VIA.

Operating Systems

A lot of driver support for VIA chips is built into Microsoft Windows 10 (32 and 64-bit). If you’re looking for Windows 10 drivers, please check these FAQs first.

Audio

VIA only provides Windows 10 audio drivers for VIA Vinyl HD Audio Codecs that meet the Windows Logo Premium requirements, which can be found at the VIA Driver Download Portal. These are general sound effect drivers with common functions. System manufacturers and motherboard vendors customize audio hardware and software and therefore, to ensure optimal sound quality and compatibility, we strongly recommend you to obtain the system-validated and certified audio drivers directly from your system manufacturer or motherboard manufacturer.

*Note: If your VIA audio solution is not listed in the VIA Driver portal it does not meet the Windows Logo Premium requirements and therefore is supported by Microsoft’s in-box audio support. If your system uses one of these VIA audio solutions and you are having audio issues using Windows 10 (32 or 64-bit), it is recommended that you install a sound card which has Windows Logo Premium driver support under Windows 10.

VIA IDE and SATA Drivers

IDE and SATA support for VIA’s VT8237R Plus, VT8237S, CN896, CX700/VX700, VX800, VX855, VX900, and VX11 chipsets is included in Windows 10. It is not necessary to download extra drivers.

Integrated Graphics

VIA has released Windows 10 drivers for the VIA VX900 and VX11 Media System Processors, which can be obtained through the Windows Update tool or from the VIA Driver Download Portal.

*Note: Older VIA chipsets (than the VIA VX900 and VX11 Media System Processors) can run Windows 10 using the default drivers built into Windows 10, but some graphical features may not be supported and it is not recommended.

Ethernet (Networking/LAN)

The VIA Rhine Fast Ethernet Family and VIA Velocity Gigabit Ethernet Family are supported by Microsoft’s in-box Ethernet support. It is not necessary to download extra drivers.

PCI Card Readers

The VIA VX11 Media System Processor supports SDIO3.0 for SD, SD High Capacity (SDHC), SD Extended Capacity (SDXC), MMC, SDHC/SDXC with UHS-I serial cards. Support is included in Windows 10. It is not necessary to download an extra driver.

Full support for VIA Vectro USB 1.1 and 2.0 chipsets and controllers is included in Windows 10. It is not necessary to download extra drivers.

*Note: The VIA VX11 Media System Processor includes support for USB 3.0 which is included in Windows 10. It is not necessary to download extra drivers.

1394 Firewire Controllers

Support for VIA 1394 Firewire controllers is included in Windows 10. It is not necessary to download extra drivers.

A lot of driver support for VIA chips is built into Microsoft Windows 8 (32 and 64-bit). If you’re looking for Windows 8 drivers, please check these FAQs first.

*Note: This section applies for both Windows 8 and 8.1 unless otherwise noted.

Audio

VIA only provides Windows 8 audio drivers for VIA Vinyl HD Audio Codecs that meet the Windows Logo Premium requirements, which can be found at the VIA Driver Download Portal. These are general sound effect drivers with common functions. System manufacturers and motherboard vendors customize audio hardware and software and therefore, to ensure optimal sound quality and compatibility, we strongly recommend you to obtain the system-validated and certified audio drivers directly from your system manufacturer or motherboard manufacturer.

*Note: If your VIA audio solution is not listed in the VIA Driver portal it does not meet the Windows Logo Premium requirements and therefore is supported by Microsoft’s in-box audio support. If your system uses one of these VIA audio solutions and you are having audio issues using Windows 8 (32 or 64-bit), it is recommended that you install a sound card which has Windows Logo Premium driver support under Windows 8.

VIA IDE, RAID and SATA Drivers

IDE and SATA

IDE and SATA support for VIA’s VT8237R Plus, VT8237S, CX700/VX700, VX800, VX855, VX900, and VX11 chipsets is included in Windows 8. It is not necessary to download extra drivers.

*Note: VIA has released non-logo VIA StorX-SATA driver updates supporting Hot-Plug, Power Saving, and Port-Multiplier features for the VIA VX900 and VX11 Media System Processors which can be obtained through the VIA Driver Download Portal.

RAID support for the VIA VT8237S, CX700/VX700, VX800 chipsets and VIA Vectro VT6420, VT6421, VT6421A Serial RAID controllers is included in Windows 8. It is not necessary to download extra drivers.

Integrated Graphics

VIA has released Windows 8 drivers for the VIA VX11 and VX900 Media System Processors, which can be found at the VIA Driver Download Portal.

*Note: Older VIA chipsets (than the VIA VX900 and VX11 Media System Processors) can run Windows 8 using the default drivers built into Windows 8, but some graphical features may not be supported and it is not recommended.

Ethernet (Networking/LAN)

For Windows 8.1, the VIA Rhine Fast Ethernet Family and VIA Velocity Gigabit Ethernet Family solutions are supported by Microsoft’s in-box Ethernet support. It is not necessary to download extra drivers.

For Windows 8, VIA has released drivers for the VIA Rhine Fast Ethernet Family and VIA Velocity Gigabit Ethernet Family solutions, which can be found at the VIA Driver Download Portal.

PCI Card Readers

The VIA VX800, VX855, VX900, and VX11 chipsets have a built in chipset PCI card reader supporting SD, SD High Capacity (HC), MMC, MS and MS pro serial cards. The Windows 8 driver can be found at the VIA Driver Download Portal.

*Note: The VIA VX11 Media System Processor also supports SDIO3.0 for SD, SD High Capacity (SDHC), SD Extended Capacity (SDXC), MMC, SDHC/SDXC with UHS-I serial cards. Support is included in Windows 8. It is not necessary to download an extra driver.

Full support for VIA Vectro USB 1.1 and 2.0 chipsets and controllers is included in Windows 8. It is not necessary to download extra drivers.

*Note: The VIA VX11 Media System Processor includes support for USB 3.0 which is included in Windows 8. It is not necessary to download extra drivers.

1394 Firewire Controllers

Support for VIA 1394 Firewire controllers is included in Windows 8. It is not necessary to download extra drivers.

A lot of driver support for VIA chips is built into Microsoft Windows 7 (32 and 64-bit). If you’re looking for Windows 7 drivers, please check these FAQs first.

Audio

VIA only provides Windows 7 audio drivers for VIA Vinyl HD Audio Codecs and VIA Vinyl Audio Controllers that meet the Windows Logo Premium requirements, which can be found at the VIA Driver Download Portal. These are general sound effects drivers with common functions. System manufacturers and motherboard vendors customize audio hardware and software, so to ensure optimal sound quality and compatibility, we strongly recommend you obtain the system-validated and certified audio drivers directly from your system manufacturer or motherboard manufacturer, not from VIA.

*Note: If your VIA audio solution is not listed in the VIA Driver portal it does not meet the Windows Logo Premium requirements and therefore is supported by Microsoft’s in-box audio support. If your system uses one of these VIA audio solutions and you are having audio issues using Windows 7 (32 or 64-bit), it is recommended that you install a sound card which has Windows Logo Premium driver support under Windows 7.

VIA IDE, RAID and SATA Drivers

IDE and SATA

IDE and SATA support for the VIA VT8237R Plus, VT8237S, CX700/VX700, VX800, VX855, VX900, and VX11 chipsets is included in Windows 7. It is not necessary to download extra drivers.

*Note: VIA has released non-logo VIA StorX-SATA driver updates supporting Hot-Plug, Power Saving, and Port-Multiplier features for the VIA VX900 and VX11 Media System Processors which can be obtained through the VIA Driver Download Portal.

VIA has also released the Falcon IDE & SATA Windows 7 logo driver supporting Hot-Plug, Power Saving, and Port-Multiplier features for the following chipsets: VIA VT8237R Plus, VT8237S, CX700/VX700, VX800, VX855, which can be obtained in the VIA Driver Download Portal.

RAID support for the VIA VT8237S, CX700/VX700, VX800 chipsets and VIA Vectro VT6420, VT6421, VT6421A Serial RAID controllers is included in Windows 7. It is not necessary to download extra drivers.

*Note: VIA has released a non-logo Windows 7 VIA StorX-RAID driver for the VIA VX900 Media System Processor to support RAID0/1/0+1/5/JBOD array under Windows 7, which can be obtained through the VIA Driver Download Portal.

Integrated Graphics

VIA has released Windows 7 drivers for the following chipsets: VIA CN896, P4M900, VN896, VX800, VX855, VX900, and VX11, which can be found at the VIA Driver Download Portal.

*Note: Older chipsets can run Windows 7 using the default drivers built into Windows 7, but some graphical features may not be supported and it is not recommended.

Ethernet (Networking/LAN)

VIA has released Windows 7 drivers for the VIA Rhine Fast Ethernet Family and VIA Velocity Gigabit Ethernet Family solutions, which can be found at the VIA Driver Download Portal.

PCI Card Readers

The VIA VX800, VX855, VX900, and VX11 chipsets have a built in MSP PCI card reader supporting SD, SD High Capacity (HC), MMC, MS and MS pro serial cards. The Windows 7 driver can be found at the VIA Driver Download Portal.

*Note: The VIA VX11 Media System Processor also supports SDIO3.0 for SD, SD High Capacity (SDHC), SD Extended Capacity (SDXC), MMC, SDHC/SDXC with UHS-I serial cards. The non-logo Windows 7 driver can be found at the VIA Driver Download Portal.

Full support for VIA Vectro USB 1.1 and 2.0 chipsets and controllers is included in Windows 7. It is not necessary to download extra drivers.

*Note: The VIA VX11 Media System Processor includes support for USB 3.0. VIA has released a Windows 7 driver which can be obtained at the VIA Driver Download Portal.

1394 Firewire Controllers

Support for VIA 1394 Firewire controllers is included in Windows 7. It is not necessary to download extra drivers.