R640 NVMe hardware raid

Question

Hi all,

As I know R640 only permits NVMe RAID with embedded S140 but it's a software RAID. Has anyone tried any PCIe M2 NVMe card with RAID1 function that works with that server or maybe another solution to have NVMe hardware raid.

Thanks in advance

DELL-Charles R · Accepted Answer

Hello,

You can use NVMe PCIe SSD adapter in the system but they would not be Hardware Raid. You would still use the S140.

The S140 allows the NVMe PCIe SSD 2.5 inch SFF and the NVMe PCIe SSD adapter in a RAID configuration.

NVMe PCIe SSD support

https://dell.to/47PSTSc

Hardware RAID was not available until the 15th Gen using the H755n. The R640 is a 14th Gen. server.

Kiesha325 · Answer

@DELL-Charles R​  Right now we try to install NVMe drives to R640. Drives used are PM9A3. They are mentioned here - https://www.dell.com/support/manuals/en-us/poweredge-c6400/s140_ug/nvme-pcie-ssd-support?guid=guid-a050f48c-eafd-44d2-bc83-e9db3f1ef70d&lang=en-us&dgc=sm&cid=1595898&lid=spr14853258223&refid=sm_COMMUNITY_spr14853258223&linkId=610432888) . S140 UEFI driver has higer version, than minimum requested, NVMe setting is set to RAID. everything looks correct and matches Dell description. Disks are recognized and shown in devices list, but S140 does not detect them and message is '...there are no physical discs currently detected'. So everything correct, but nothing works.

Kiesha325 · Answer

this is how it looks like, If video helps. Sorry for HPE monitor. :)

DELL-Marco B · Answer

Hello, how it is connected the S140 controller? Can you give us details about all the chain from the hard drive to the controller? Can you test the controller with a not NVMe drive? Thanks

Kiesha325 · Answer

It is how it's made. There is no NDC yet, but I am sure it does not influence S140 work.

DELL-Marco B · Answer

and what about a not NVMe disk, it is still the same issue?

Kiesha325 · Answer

@DELL-Marco B​  Yes.

DELL-Marco B · Answer

Are you sure that hard drives are connected to the PERC S140 and no to the H730? What if happens you connect it on PERC H730? Thanks

Kiesha325 · Answer

@DELL-Marco B​  what do you mean under 'connected'? Physically with cable or somethin else? As I didn't saw in cable routing guide any separate cable for S140.Or I missed something? H730 does not detect them, as they are NVMe disks. With SAS/SATA - no problem.

DELL-Marco B · Answer

You have to check if there is a physical connection that lead hdds to S140.

Dell EMC PowerEdge R640 Installation and Service Manual | Dell US

Otherwise if you need support better to call in our technical support that can guide you.

Thanks

Kiesha325 · Answer

@DELL-Marco B​  In our case it's Figure 3. all components.

jtejada.ralco · Answer

Hi all

S140i is a software raid, It hasn't physical connectors. NVMe drives are connected directly to motherboard so cabling is correct. That is the same situation we have, no option to setup the software raid from controller or BIOS setup.

PowerEdge Hardware General

R640 NVMe hardware raid

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