PERC H730P Controller Questions

Question

I am interested in upgrading to this RAID controller but have questions I hope someone can answer.  I have a Precision workstation T7600 that currently has a PERC H710 controller with four SATA hard drives connected.  I am looking to upgrade from 512MB RAM in my current PERC H710 to 2GB that the PERC H730P contains.  I am reading that the H730P supports both SAS and SATA drives.  Would anyone please tell me if I must also purchase new cables for the PERC H730P, or will I be able to use the same two cables that my PERC H710 uses to connect my current four hard drives?  My current cables are two pairs of small connectors that plug into the RAID controller that each have two SATA connector cables that plug into the hard drives.  Each single cable supports two hard drives. I cannot tell what type of connector is on the PERC H730P.  Is it the same connector that exists on the PERC H710?  It looks like it could be a mini SAS connector that supports fours hard drives, but I am not able to find any documentation from Dell that explains the cables required. Additionally, my T7600 workstation requires a mounting bracket that appears the PERC H730P does not have by default.  The mounting bracket keeps the PCI express card secured into the slot.  Will I be able to attach a mounting bracket to the PERC H730P?  I am seeing two holes at the end of the card that may support fastening a mounting bracket. My best case scenario would be that my current two cables I use with my PERC H710 will also work with the PERC H730P.  If this is the case, I can simply add a mounting bracket and swap controller cards. Thanks in advance for any information you can share.

Dell-DylanJ · Answer

Crossing generations is generally not supported, and the H710 and H730 are 1 generation apart. That having been said, the T7600 isn't a server, so the firmware may not be as selective. The H730 uses a different cable, that cable being F63HD.

Dell-DylanJ · Answer

Looking at the reference images I have access to, I don't think physical fit will be an issue for you. Considering both families use the same parts, I'd be surprised if physical size were an issue.

I figure it will most likely work, and physical fitment will be fine. The documentation I found did not list the dimensions of the 13G PERC though, so I can't confirm that. I didn't see the bracket you mentioned, but I may just be looking in the wrong spot.From what I see, You should be able to seat the card in a PCI slot and the only retainer would be the blue latch on the rear panel.

I linked the Precision board down below. I'd move this post for you, but don't have moderator rights.

https://www.dell.com/community/Precision-Fixed-Workstations/bd-p/Precision-Fixed-Workstations?ref=lithium_menu

theflash1932 · Answer

I concur with Dylan.

I can move it to the Precision forum if you like so you don't have to repost it there (or you can just link to this thread), but I think you posted it in the best spot originally and will get more insight into RAID controllers in this forum than in the Precision forum. But now with it being a question of Precision design/specs, let me know if it makes sense to move it.

Dryne · Answer

My questions have been answered and I got everything I need.  This was the best place to ask. Thanks.

Dryne · Answer

Thank you for your response. I posted in this form only because I did not see a good forum to ask regarding a PERC controller question. I thought I would get the best information here. I realize my workstation is not a server, and I am not overly concerned about a standard PCI express card not working in it. My H710 was a server PERC controller that works without issue in my workstation today. My final question is will the H730P card actually fit into my T7600? As I stated, it appears to be missing a mounting bracket. Am I able to add one to it? Thanks again.

Soul_Man · Answer

According to this user, the H730P will work in a T7600. https://www.dell.com/community/en/conversations/precision-fixed-workstations/sas-drives-on-t7600-no-raid/647fa3dbf4ccf8a8de9d86ac

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