PS6000e Disk Replacement Issue

“are not EqualLogic certified drives but I have read that this should not matter”  not sure where you got this information from but this is incorrect.  The fact is that using non-EqualLogic disks is unsupported, and if you decide later on to get a support contract, you would be required to have only approved disks installed.

Using non-EqualLogic drives is risky at best, even if you never plan on purchasing a support contract on this array.  Non-Equallogic drives aren't properly configured to our specs and this can cause communication issues with other disks in the RAID set.  If this happens, the entire RAID set that this drive is inserted into could fail, in other words, you risk data lose.

If the array is out of warranty but you have a support contract on the array(s) in question, you should open a support case, they will send you approved disks, and can clear the status.

If you do not have a support contract, you would need to re-certify the array, which requires EqualLogic only approved hardware.

-joe

Sorry I perhaps worded that badly. What I meant was that it should be possible to use the non-Dell disks in the array. I appreciate what you are saying and am aware of the risks. I just need to know firstly, is it possible to use non Dell drives in this system and secondly if it is why isn't it recognising my drive. Do I need to perform any additional configuration other than just inserting the new drive?

Wow are you sure? I have read in quite a few places including these forums that you can get them to work. I wouldn't mind so much if the drives weren't so prohibitively expensive!

Only into older models you can put non dell branded harddisks.

Regards,

Joerg

Hello,

It is important to note the following:

• Do not remove a disk that is not a spare. Removing a disk that is an active member of a RAID set will be handled as a disk failure. If you must remove a disk (for example, to install it in another array), remove a spare from a member that has two working spares if possible. Replace the spare as soon as possible.
• Do not leave a disk slot empty. Always install a disk or a blank carrier.
• Disks are delicate. Always use electrostatic protection when handling disks. When not installed in an array, always protect a disk from electrostatic discharge.
• Wait for a disk to spin down. Once you press the disk handle release button, wait 30 seconds before removing the disk.
• Use a uniform disk size. Although you can use disks with different sizes in an array, the smallest disk in the array will determine how much space is available. For example, if an array has 250 GB and 400 GB disks, only 250 GB of space will be available on each disk.
• Always use EqualLogic Certified HDDs, non Equalogic HDDs will not work.

When installing disks in an array, there is a two-minute delay between the time you insert a disk and the time the disk is automatically configured into a RAID set. This time interval enables you to install multiple disks and configure all the disks simultaneously, which is more efficient than installing a single disk, configuring it, and then repeating the process. For example, when you install a disk in an array, a timer starts. If no other disks are installed, the disk is configured after a delay of 2 minutes. If you install another disk before 2 minutes have elapsed, the timer is restarted.

Notes: If you install a disk during an ongoing RAID reconstruction or verification operation, the new disk will not be configured until the operation completes.

If you remove a disk from one array and then install the disk in a different array, you must clear the disk label before the disk can be automatically configured.