Dell R730XD with 12gbps will not connect to NetApp DS4246 Disk Enclosure

Hello abster02,

I am sorry, but we are not skilled on NetApp products, therefore I think you would find more accurate information on the NetApp forums for the NetApp DS4246. I suggest you to try to contact them for a compatibility matrix kind of document.

For the host I would recommend make sure it is up to date on system firmware: iDRAC and BIOS and the 12Gbps HBA

Drivers&Downloads  for R730XD

https://dell.to/3vL9Lrc

Dell 12Gbps HBA firmware version 16.17.01.00

https://dell.to/3jQOiKB

We can see if anyone else has connected a DS4246 can share their experience.

Thanks for the response.

The firmware for the r730xd and the HBA card are up to date.

I tested the Dell 12Gbps HBA and a LSI 9206-16e in a Dell T320 server and the NetApp disk array and its drives showed up in the OS.

When I put those same HBA cards in the R730XD, the NetApp does not show up. I did see a heartbeat LED on the LSI but nothing on the 12Gbps. 

the HBA is in slot 6 which is the recommended in the user manual.

Is there some sort of PCIe power/configuration setting that I am overlooking?

Thanks!

https://dell.to/3Xkvxhn

Dell 12GB SAS External HBA PCIe Controller

I/O controller (IOC) LSI® SAS 3008  

Hi, you have to ask NetApp if this would be compatible, I think.

Hello abster02,

See if the slot 6 is enabled in the BIOS:

F2 > System BIOS > Integrated Devices > Slot Disablement

Check the slot is enabled , Owners manual page 58 slot disablement

https://dell.to/3vMRCt0

You may need a driver. What is the Operating System and version?

You can find R730xd driver/firmware here : https://dell.to/3iuJ3jp

I have confirmed that the slot is enabled in the BIOS. 

I can configure the controller in the BIOS/System setup. Odd thing is there are no options to configure when you access the controller during post.

I'm trying to make the connection work in windows 10, UnRaid and ProxMox. Results are the same: The controller shows up in the OS but no disks are attached. The connection LED light on the NetApp do not light up showing a connection.

Hello abster02,

We can try to rule out a slot issue if you try the HBA in slot 4 or 5 also.

We can see if anyone has used those OS and can share their experience.

I would recommend using a supported OS. Windows Server 2016 is validated for both the server and the HBA.

Your PowerEdge R730xd supports these operating systems : https://dell.to/3GO7YI9

Dell EMC Host Bus Adapter User's Guide HBA330 and External 12 Gbps SAS HBA  Supported OS page 8 : https://dell.to/3GRCYHd

Windows Server 2016 Driver version 2.51.25.01 for Dell 12Gbps HBA and HBA330

https://dell.to/3VZOgO7

Ok. I just tried Win Server 2016. Card is listed in device manager but still no hard disks!

Hello, like I was saying earlier it's NetApp, a non Dell part component. Charles has given some things to consider to rule out possibilities and if that's still not working, sorry we can't be of help this time.

I just learned that the server is actually a Dell R730XD XL. It was a Google Appliance T5 that was converted to stock Dell and has the latest firmware and BIOS installed. Would this make a difference? 

Hello abster02,

That could be the issue. That is a custom built OEM appliance.

Debranding or Rebranding Leveraged Platforms or PowerEdge systems is not supported.

At no time do we support rebranding to other than original branding.

You may check here for driver/firmware  OEMR XL R730XD

https://dell.to/3X68V4i

Are you using same cables on T320 and OEMR XL R730XD?

Try the Different Boot mode (BIOS and UEFI)

F2 >System BIOS >Boot Settings

Check the HBA interface how it shows up in each:

BIOS Mode:  (Ctrl+C,) in POST when HBA initializes

UEFI  Mode: Device Settings --> Dell HBA Configuration Utility

Try it in in all other slots?

Latest update: I was able to get my hands on a R430 server. I tried the HBA card in it and it works fine!!

So I'm guessing there is something peculiar (motherboard jumper?) that does not allow the R730XD OEMR server to use HBA cards? Hopefully this rings a bell for one of the Support folks to suggest a solution.

Abster02,

I would agree with you on your assumption, based on the fact that there is 0 HBA driver or firmware downloads available for the R730xd XL, as seen here. 

So is there no way to turn off this restriction on HBA cards? Seems like an odd feature to limit once the box is turned into an Dell box.

I followed the instructions provided by google to repurpose the box. 

Hi @abster02,

There is no documentation that we could refer if the architecture of the schematics are the same the actual R730XD or any PowerEdge. To my opinion, the OEM server is customized to the requirement of the customer, for this case, it's Google. Hence, the HBA may not work as OEM customer may have their proprietary hardware.