Hello, no you do not need PowerPath to connect a Windows Failover cluster to a VNX5300.

You do not mention the OS version.

I'm assuming you are using iSCSI on the parent servers. iSCSI is supported as long as you use the MS iSCSI initiator and not the software initiator that may come with the iSCSI HBAs.

I have never tried those HBAs either so can't say yay or neh on that.

I do recommend you check the docu5134_Host-Connectivity-Guide-for-Windows and how to manually configure the iSCSI initiator.

Regards, Michel.

Thanks for the response as it confirms much trial and error... Let me give a bit more details.

Yes, I am using the MS iSCSI Initiators for the VNX ONLY.

3 Node MS Cluster running Windows Server 2012 Data Center Edition

2 Brocade 1020 HBA's in each of the 3 physical cluster.

   Ports 0/0 & 1/0 Teamed for SAN

   Ports 0/1 & 1/1 MPIO for SAN side using Dell EqualLogic supplied iSCSI initiators.

My overall goal here is to:

- add the VNX5300 into the cluster

- move all the VM's and storage to the VNX5300

- Remove the EqualLogic Devices and turn the off forever.

https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/nettracer/2013/01/05/tcp-delayed-ack-combined-with-nagle-algorithm-can-badly-impact-communication-performance/http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=2020559

So yes that should work. Be aware of these articles which may cause you problems when you hit performance limits.