Need help upgrading our Poweredge T330

Question

We have a Poweredge T330 running Windows Server 2016 Essentials. I am new to the company and was surprised how slow the server runs, I did a disk test and found out that the write speed is about 7Mbps, shockingly slow for a RAID 5 setup. A little web searching has told me that the Perc S130 card which we have in the T330 is garbage.

Instead of spending the dough for a new T350, I would like to upgrade this machine to perform as it should be.

I can handle going from the current 2x8GB of ram to 4x16GB without issue.

Where I need help, and maybe part numbers is with the drives and Raid controller.

Would the Perc H330 suffice with much improved Raid 5 performance, or should I get the Perc H730? What cables would I need in order to run with the better Perc controller, I assume there may be a cable that goes to the motherboard, would the existing cables that currently go from the (4) SATA HD's connect to the H730 or if not, which cables would I need?

I would like to boot off SSD if possible, is there a mirrored option where I could go with (2) 240GB SSD's for the boot drive, and run the RAID for our network drives?

I think this T330 should be running much faster than it does, and I think that Perc S130 is the primary culprit, but going with more memory and SSD boot if possible would make nice improvements I think, agreed?

Assuming this is a good idea, what would be the recommended backup software to back up our current Raid volume before changing the Raid Controller and reconfiguring?

Thanks

DELL-Shine K · Answer

What backplane you have on the server? Is it 8X3.5 or 4X3.5? Below link have details on supported backplane configurations T330 support.

https://www.dell.com/support/manuals/en-us/poweredge-t330/t330ompub/removing-the-hard-drive-backplane?guid=guid-b9615b8e-d7b2-4010-96c0-c224066c9fa3&lang=en-us

You can refer below link for difference between H330 and H730

https://www.dell.com/support/manuals/en-us/poweredge-rc-h730/perc9ugpublication/perc-card-specifications?guid=guid-ff4e55fb-921b-4445-9ee3-768d80807f2a&lang=en-us

randyHiltonCabinets · Answer

I won't be able to look inside the computer for a week or two, but I will check it and report back as soon as I can.

With regards to the Raid controller card, the PERC H730P looks like a winner to me, I see many variations of it, which model(s) would be compatible with our T330? And I am thinking of going with (4) of the 1.6TB SSD in a RAID 10 array. And having the boot drive and network drive volume all on the same Raid Array. I love the BOSS setup but see I can't add that to the T330 since compatibility started with the T340.

randyHiltonCabinets · Answer

Oh, it looks like I need to go with the H730, where can I get the part number for the correct model for the T330?

https://storagetekpro.com/pages/dell-perc-h730-h730p-adapter-mini-mono-mini-blade-compared

DELL-Shine K · Answer

Below are the part number of H730 controller supported on T330. You need to use correct cables based on backplane you are having. If you have access to iDRAC you can check backplane details in iDRAC as well.

44GNF - ASSY,CRD,CTL,H730,1GB,ADPT

3XK31 - ASSY,CRD,CTL,H730,V2,1GB,ADPT

Origin3k · Answer

The H730 is a full blown RAID Controller with Cache and Battery so its the way to go. The H330 offer only basic RAID and speed wise it would not a big step forward.

On the other hand is your T330 between 5-8 years old and spending money to its wasting your budget when there is not support left for that server.

Regards,
Joerg

randyHiltonCabinets · Answer

Our write speeds are abysmal, seems like it would be easier and more cost effective to fix the storage system instead of an entire new server.

randyHiltonCabinets · Answer

Here is CrystalDiskMark results just run

randyHiltonCabinets · Answer

Dell-Shine K,

Here is a picture of our T330 backplane. We have (4) drives in the system today, honestly, really only need 4 even if our backplane supports more - I don't know by looking at it.

Would appreciate help getting part numbers for the H730 controller and needed cable(s).

T330 Backplane.jpg

Thanks!

DELL-Young E · Answer

Hi, you have to get a 'kit' (not just a part) and the kit for this model does not exist, I'm afraid. Also I have to point out this is a risky job if you have to replace them yourself without professional help.

randyHiltonCabinets · Answer

I am not looking for a kit, I am asking what the model number of the correct H730 is for our T330, and what the model number is for cables, not your opinion on who should be performing the upgrades.

randyHiltonCabinets · Answer

Is the correct part number for the H730: 405-AADX?   and if so, which is the correct cable?   thanks

DELL-Young E · Answer

Hi,I'm afraid we can only find the card DPN# (which shine has provided). The cable information is not available at my end. Such upgrades can only be done by the sales department with 'kit' bundles.

randyHiltonCabinets · Answer

Got those PN's from Shine, thanks. I found this discussion on the boards, for 8 drive, will this cable work for a 4 drive also or is there another cable?

randyHiltonCabinets · Answer

I also find people refencing cable part number: H3Y5T Just trying to find the right one for our T330, posted a picture of our backplane in this thread,  thanks!

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Need help upgrading our Poweredge T330

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