Convert RAID-0 to RAID-1 on HP ML350G6 with P410i zero memory

hphp-prolianthp-smart-arrayraid

I have an HP ML350 G6 with a P410i zero memory RAID controller. As far as I can understand that means I can't expand a current single drive "RAID-0" configuration to a RAID-1 using the HP Offline ACU without installing memory and BBWC. Is that correct?

What makes me think about this is the fact that expanding RAID-0 to RAID-1 should be pretty similar to replacing a failed drive in an already existing RAID-1? So then why can't I expand without memory and BBWC?

Is my best option otherwise to (i) use Ghost to capture the disk, create a new RAID-1 with the existing drive and a new one or (ii) buy memory+BBWC and do it online?

Thanks

Best Answer

Array transformations are possible, but you need to have a BBWC or FBWC unit in place to do so (offline OR online). You may as well get cache memory and a battery since write performance is very poor without them.

See the HP Smart Array Configuration Utility manual.

Also see: RAID5 on SmartArray P410i online resize

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Identify HP Array Logical Drive From Windows

Do you have the HP management utilities installed? Download the ProLiant Support Pack for Windows 2003 (or the 64-bit variant).

This will be helpful in providing general management and health monitoring of the system. At the very least, you can acquire the information you're seeking by installing the Array Configuration Utility CLI (command line interface) component of the ProLiant Support Pack.

Running a quick command like ctrl all show config detail will generate a good amount of controller, array and disk information; including mount points. You'll also see which drives are assigned to which RAID 1 pair and the overall health of each logical drive. Based on this information, you should be able to replace the failed drive seamlessly, but make sure you examine the output first.

HP Array Configuration Utility CLI 8.60-8.0
Type "help" for a list of supported commands.
Type "exit" to close the console.

=> ctrl all show config detail

Smart Array P400i in Slot 0 (Embedded)
   Bus Interface: PCI
   Slot: 0
   Serial Number: PH7AMW5213
   Cache Serial Number: PA82C0H9SVC7O6
   RAID 6 (ADG) Status: Disabled
   Controller Status: OK
   Chassis Slot:
   Hardware Revision: Rev D
   Firmware Version: 7.18
   Rebuild Priority: Medium
   Expand Priority: Medium
   Surface Scan Delay: 15 secs
   Surface Scan Mode: Idle
   Wait for Cache Room: Disabled
   Surface Analysis Inconsistency Notification: Disabled
   Post Prompt Timeout: 0 secs
   Cache Board Present: True
   Cache Status: OK
   Accelerator Ratio: 25% Read / 75% Write
   Drive Write Cache: Enabled
   Total Cache Size: 256 MB
   No-Battery Write Cache: Enabled
   Battery/Capacitor Count: 0
   SATA NCQ Supported: True

   Array: A
      Interface Type: SAS
      Unused Space: 0 MB
      Status: OK

      Logical Drive: 1
         Size: 136.7 GB
         Fault Tolerance: RAID 1
         Heads: 255
         Sectors Per Track: 32
         Cylinders: 35132
         Strip Size: 128 KB
         Status: OK
         Array Accelerator: Enabled
         Unique Identifier: 600508B1001032313320202020200001
         Disk Name: \\.\PhysicalDrive0
         Mount Points: C:\ 136.7 GB
         Logical Drive Label: A240AB6BPH7AMW5213     E1C6
         Mirror Group 0:
            physicaldrive 1I:1:1 (port 1I:box 1:bay 1, SAS, 146 GB, OK)
         Mirror Group 1:
            physicaldrive 1I:1:2 (port 1I:box 1:bay 2, SAS, 146 GB, OK)

      physicaldrive 1I:1:1
         Port: 1I
         Box: 1
         Bay: 1
         Status: OK
         Drive Type: Data Drive
         Interface Type: SAS
         Size: 146 GB
         Rotational Speed: 10000
         Firmware Revision: HPD1
         Serial Number: BS01P7900S6P0738
         Model: HP      DG146A3516
         PHY Count: 1
         PHY Transfer Rate: 3.0GBPS

      physicaldrive 1I:1:2
         Port: 1I
         Box: 1
         Bay: 2
         Status: OK
         Drive Type: Data Drive
         Interface Type: SAS
         Size: 146 GB
         Rotational Speed: 10000
         Firmware Revision: HPD1
         Serial Number: BS01P7900PY80737
         Model: HP      DG146A3516
         PHY Count: 1
         PHY Transfer Rate: Unknown

HP P212 hangs on Initializing

The P212 only supports HP branded disks, you're not using them are you, yet you wonder why the whole setup's suddenly broke - use supported parts and you'll be fine, don't and you're on you own. Did you not read our FAQ? this site is for professional sysadmins, who don't just throw things together in the vague hope that it might work. Not sure this site is for you at all.

Best Answer

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