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T710 with Perc 6/i - trying to add SSD as 2nd Raid0 array
Trying to get some additional life and a little extra speed out of these boxes for a Lab environment. I currently have a 5 drive SATA Raid5 configuration which is working fine, however I am looking to add a 2nd 'array' with a single disk SSD. The boxes identify the SSD and if I remove the RAID5 array I can build a RAID0 VD with just the single SSD. In either configuration (SSD or Mechanical), it seems I can only build a single array. From what reading I've done over the past few days, my understanding is that the Perc 6/i array will support multiple arrays as long as I'm not mixing SAS/SATA together which I am not.
Can anyone confirm this is possible and send me in the right direction before I start trying to Frankenstein this? If it is not feasible, any suggestions on whether the primary board in these servers will support the addition of a SSD and if not any suggestions on a card I can add to support this configuration? Worst case I can add all of this via an external USB enclosure, but I expect that would defeat the purpose of speeding things up without adding a USB3 card. If I have to go that far, I might as well add a controller card for the SSD.
Thoughts?
theflash1932
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November 10th, 2018 14:00
No, the PERC 6 supports like 64 logical/virtual disks.
With your RAID 5 in and functioning, insert your drive and boot to CTRL-R, highlight the controller, hit F2 and there should be an option to create a new VD. If not, then one of two things is happening: 1) your SSD is not compatible and not recognized, or 2) the drive is flagged as "foreign". If foreign, highlight the controller, hit F2, then Foreign, CLEAR. Then you can assign a VD with it.
You can also do this from OMSA in the OS.
You can also mix SAS/SATA/HDD/SSD, just not in the same array/VD.
Because the PERC 6 does not support non-RAID, a single-disk RAID 0 is your only option, but it definitely can run them all side by side.
Skipmeister
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November 10th, 2018 20:00
Thanks for the response theflash1932!! :)
Trying to use some pictures to better communicate...
Step 1: I'm able to validate that I see all 6 drives (5 - 3.5" 2TB drives, 1 - SSD)
Step 2: When creating a VD, I can see all 6 drives
Step 3: Create a Raid 5 Array with 5 - 2TB Sata drives
Step 4: Deleted the Raid 5 and created a Riad0 array with the SSD.
Hopefully this brings a little more clarity to the issue I'm having. The PERC 6/i controller is seeing each disk fine before I create a VD. It is working with each drive just fine until a VD is created. As soon as I create a VD however, the unused drives are no longer visible on the VD Mgmt tab for me to create a VD1 (1st array is VD0). I'm guessing the process is supposed to be to select the drive, press F2 and Create new VD - but none of those options are available. If I go to Ctrl Mgmt tab, I still see the alternate drives as online or avail - but I cannot create a VD from that screen...
Anything folks see me doing improperly or any feedback as to why this may be happening? I think I'm following the correct steps... Any suggestions appreciated!
Skipmeister
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November 18th, 2018 19:00
theflash1932
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November 18th, 2018 21:00
Server hardware (iDRAC/LCC, BIOS, backplane, and PERC 6 firmware in particular) up to date? I believe there were several updates addressing SSD compatibility.
If you create a RAID 0 with the SSD and reboot, does it look ok after a reboot? If so, install Windows to the RAID 0, then go to OpenManage Server Administrator and see if you can create a RAID 5 from there.
theflash1932
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November 18th, 2018 21:00
Keep in mind that is SSD compatibility in general … if you are using a desktop/laptop SSD, then all bets are off and that should be your main suspect.