We have a Rackable Systems server used for backup storage. Recently we purchased a couple 3TB drives to expand the storage, but they are only showing a capacity of 746.52 GB as reported by 3ware's tw_cli utility and the 3ware card's BIOS. I have been searching, but I cannot find a spec sheet that lists the card's maximum single drive capacity supported. I also cannot figure out why the drive shows 746.52 GB instead of 2 TB, if in fact the 2TB compatibility barrier has been reached.
Storage controller: 3ware 9500S-4LP (Firmware: FE9X 2.08.00.009)
Two new drives: Seagate SV35 ST3000VX000 3TB drives.
Are the new drives too large?
Why do the 3TB drives report smaller than the 1TB drive (listed as 931.51 GB)?
Output from tw_cli:
/c1 show
Unit UnitType Status %RCmpl %V/I/M Stripe Size(GB) Cache AVrfy
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
u0 SINGLE OK - - - 372.519 OFF OFF
u1 SINGLE OK - - - 931.312 OFF OFF
u2 RAID-1 OK - - - 745.048 ON OFF
Port Status Unit Size Blocks Serial
---------------------------------------------------------------
p0 OK u0 372.61 GB 781422768 *snip*
p1 OK u1 931.51 GB 1953525168 *snip*
p2 OK u2 746.52 GB 1565565872 *snip*
p3 OK u2 746.52 GB 1565565872 *snip*
Edit: Added 3ware card firmware version.
Best Answer
As @Hennes said, the 745 GB reported for the 3TB drives is due to the 2.19TB limit imposed by controllers (and apparently this one) that cannot support larger drives. The fault lies in the 32-bit precision offered by LBA32.
Another resource I found here explains the limit is caused by 32-bit LBA. Someone there also reports that 3ware customer service said the 12-port version of this card will not support drives larger than 2TB, so I'm sure mine won't either.
The new 2TB drives we recently ordered are working perfectly, so we'll send the 3TB drives back.