Adding disks to a RAID 1

Question

I have 36 GB disks in a RAID 1 array. I have 2 new 146 GB disks that I purchased to replace the existing disks. The system is a SQL database server. Would it be easier (or even possible) to just add the two new disks to the existing setup. For example 2x36 GB RAID 1 and 2x146 GB RAID 1 in the same system?

LeaseWeb B.V. · Answer

Hello,   We did this by removing 1 old disk, and rebuild to the new disk. After rebuild is complete, remove the 2th old disk and rebuild on the 2th new disk.   When this is done, reboot the server and make a new array (do not choose the 'easy configuration' option! or data will be wiped). Make a new array with the max size of both new disks and you are done.

zkent · Answer

Thanks. I would never have expected it to be so simple. If I wanted to create a second RAID1 array with the two new disk (leaving the 36 GB disks as is) is it just a matter of adding the new disks and creating an additional RAID 1 array? I am leaning toward this solution.

zkent · Answer

Is it possible to set up the new array without having to reboot the machine? Its one of our mission critical machines and I'd prefer to not have to shut it down if I dont have to.

LeaseWeb B.V. · Answer

Yes if you want an additional RAID1 you can just add them and create another RAID1. But you cannot add them to a RAID1 array since RAID1 only exists out of 2 harddisks.

LeaseWeb B.V. · Answer

If i'm right you should be able to do that using the dell open manage cd. just put the disks in (hotswap) and rescan using the open manage software.

PowerEdge HDD/SCSI/RAID

Adding disks to a RAID 1

Was this post helpful?