Abstract: Apparatus and methods for efficiently operating on RAID systems. A fast access buffer comprising an off-disk fast access memory module supports RAID operations such as recovery or reconfiguration operations, thereby minimizing or reducing the need for on-disk destructive zones and/or reducing disk drive I/O activities. In some cases the fast access memory module to serves as a read/write cache, reducing the need for frequent disk accesses of a small number of data blocks. Fast off-disk memory such as RAM enables rapid operation on in-buffer data blocks. Access to the material stored in the RAID devices may be enabled, partially enabled or disabled during RAID operations involving the fast access memory module and some data access operations may be synchronized with RAID operations. In some cases, data may be served from the fast access memory module, thereby providing rapid access to material stored in a RAID device during RAID operations.

Abstract: A data storage system (30) includes multiple storage devices arranged in an array. A column in the array includes storage devices (12, 14, 16) mounted on a tray (22). The storage devices (12, 14, 16) and the tray (22) form an air channel (28) for efficient heat dissipation. The data storage system (30) may include multiple columns inserted in multiple slots of a chassis (35), thereby forming a memory board.