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This server, running SBS essentials 2011, has 4 drive bays (cabled) and a Perc H310 adapter. There are 2x1tb SAS drives installed as raid 1. We need to expand the storage space. I am looking for the best way to do this, but don't want to redo the existing raid 1. One thought was to add 2x2tb drives and configure them as a second raid 1. Is this a workable setup? Are there better options? Am I limited to 2TB drives or can I go larger? Are there any issues with using non-Dell drives? One other question - should I use the Perc bios setup to do the setup or is Open Manage bettter?
theflash1932
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November 17th, 2016 22:00
Yes, this is probably your best option.
You can use larger than 2TB drives, but you probably can't use pure 4k drives - you'll need 512e drives.
Yes, there are potentially many different issues you may encounter using non-Dell drives. If cost is a driver for looking at non-Dell drives, then buy Dell drives through resellers/suppliers to avoid paying the high prices of buying directly from Dell. Never use desktop/laptop or NAS drives in a server.
OpenManage is always preferred when possible.
JBCT
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January 8th, 2017 10:00
The server does not have open manage installed, what modules do I need to download and install to use Open Manage?
One other question, once I have the drive setup with open manage, is it ok to use the 2TB space as a single partition or is it better for performance to make a few smaller partitions?
Thanks for all the great information
theflash1932
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January 8th, 2017 11:00
Support.dell.com, Drivers and Downloads, search for your model (don't enter a Service Tag), and find OpenManage Server Administrator Managed Node 32-bit under Systems Management. Let me know if you need a link.
Yes, you can use the 2TB as a single partition. You can also break it up into smaller partitions if it makes sense for your business use, but there is no benefit one way or the other. I would probably use it as a single partition for simplicity, but let me know your use case if you want to split it up into smaller partitions and I'll give you my opinion.
JBCT
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January 8th, 2017 21:00
Thanks again for the information. One more question. Do you recommend applying the firmware update on the Perc H310 adpater and any other recommend related updates?
theflash1932
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January 8th, 2017 22:00
Yes, you should keep the system firmware up to date.