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December 25th, 2012 19:00
2950 Array Transfer
Hi Folks,
We have Power Edge 2950 with a E2022 Post Fail) and the message below:
PCIe Degraded Link width error :
expected link width is x4
actual link width is x1
I have read other posts regarding the PERC daughter card, would it be feasable to move the disks to another 2950 and the array still be in tact ??
thanks,
richard
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theflash1932
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16.3K Posts
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December 25th, 2012 20:00
"would it be feasable to move the disks to another 2950 and the array still be in tact ??"
Yes, as long as the other 2950 has the same RAID controller, then this can be done. However:
- if the firmware is significantly older on the "new" controller, it may not go as it should
- it may work if the controller itself is a newer model (if supported of course), however, you would not be able to return to the older controller model
When you move the disks to the other controller/system and boot up, you will be forced to choose a configuration - the NVRAM version of the RAID config (which will be the default if you choose nothing), or the disk version. You will want to IMPORT the Foreign Configuration on the disks.
LMHubble
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December 25th, 2012 20:00
Thanks for the info. ALittle more from me, I am able to enter the PERC config during post on the troubled system and I see that the arrays are intact, it knows the correct VD and PD setup etc and will acknowledge that there are 2 VD handled by bois etc, then the link error. Is the PERC card the issue or the MBoard? Would moving the PERC to another 2950 help maintian the config? The donor 2950 was ordered/delivered at the same time as the troubled 2950 and should, again should be at the same patch level.
What's sad is that I have R310's and R510's ready to replace this 2950.
theflash1932
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December 25th, 2012 21:00
"Is the PERC card the issue or the MBoard?"
In my opinion, it can still be either ... or any other device that uses the PCIe bus, including any cards you have installed and even devices like the NIC's. I would make sure to remove any expansion cards you have in. I would also remove the PERC controller to see if the error disappears when you boot up ... isolating it as the actual cause. Also, try reseating the riser cards, whether anything is installed in them or not.
"Would moving the PERC to another 2950 help maintian the config?"
Yes, it would keep you from needing to import the config, but if it is the actual cause, then it won't work in another server either.
LMHubble
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December 26th, 2012 09:00
Hi, well it looks like it was the PERC card. I spoke with Dell support and was able to install a donar PERC card from an identical 2950 and import the RAID config from the drive headers.
The post error did not appear when the PERC card was removed so that narrowed it down to the PERC card.
Thanks for replying, it's always nice to get input from other techs.
Richard