Hardware Expansion

Hi,

Are you referring to install RAID controller to connect to an external storage unit or to use for RAID configuration for the internal server drives? If it's for connecting to external storage, it's H830. If it's internal, it depends on what you're referring to mainboard RAID controller, are you currently using S130, software RAID or H330, hardware RAID? For R730, all RAID controllers are mPERC. 

There is no PCIe SATA controller available in Dell parts for R730 and I do not have any recommendation outside of Dell range. If you need any other user's advice, I may suggest wait for a while on someone to reply to your post. 

Dear Dell,
I use it for hobby purposes and to gain experience, a non-professional production system runs on the R730 Server. PERC H730P Mini RAID controller works, which can manage 16 SAS/SATA 2.5" HDD/SSD and there are 2 more SSD/HDD connectors. I would like to connect 4 SATAIII 3.5" HDDs for hobby and homelab purposes..
There are currently 16 drives not connected, but I don't want to eliminate the option. I'm not familiar with the subject. This is my first real professional server and I'm still learning. I really like and am very satisfied with DELL. Thanks for the reply.
Feri

@BFeri​ Hey buddy good day to you, we understand what you need and so I suggest you to share the details.

Server model.

Disk installed Part number

Controller installed

Free slots and PCIe free slot in the Server.

Hi,

the 2 SATA II Slots are designed for DVD or Tape drive.

HDD should be connected to the raid controller.

@Praveen.Singh​ 

Thanks for the help.
Sorry for the bad English, I'm Hungarian and I prefer to write with the Google Translate service.

I know that my server is a professional server with professional support for achieving professional goals in a stable, high-quality manner.

I bought this server used as a home server for hobby purposes, this is my first professional server, the older one was self-built, from PC parts.

I know, the two internal SATA cables are not suitable for what I use either. One has the DVD reader on it, and I connected an SSD to the other, and the system loads from that. Currently Proxmox VE 8.1, I know this is not officially supported on my Dell server either, but it works. :)

Server parameters:

PowerEdge R730 128GB Ram 2x Xeon E5-2687W v3

Power Supplies 1 & 2 Delta 1100 W AC Supply
Integrated NIC 1 Intel Corporation Gigabit 4P I350-t rNDC
Integrated RAID Controller 1 MIN H730P Mini
Disk 4 on Embedded AHCI Controller 2 SK 512 GB SC401 SATA 512G
Disks 0-4 in Backplane 1 on Integrated RAID Controller 1 NETAPP 1.2 TB X425 TA14E1T2A10
Disks 8 & 9 in Backplane 1 on Integrated RAID Controller 1 127 GB SSD 128GB

Storage Controllers
Location Vendor Model Speed Mode Firmware

Integrated 1 Broadcom / LSI PERC H730P Mini 12 Gbps RAID 25.5.9.0001

Storage Enclosures
Description State SAS Address Firmware
Integrated RAID Controller 1

16-slot Backplane with Expander Ready 500056B34ADD67FD 3.35

All Firmware and Drivers are the latest...

I have 7 empty PCI expansion slots.

Since I've never had such a professional server, I have no experience with "hacking" it :) I know that officially it could be used with 16 pcs 2.5" SAS/SATA HDD/SSD. But I don't want it officially, but as a hobby and I think even if it seems silly, it can be solved I would like to connect a couple of extra 3.5" HDDs to it, not in a RAID array, but for occasional backup and storage purposes.

I know it would be easier to get another server that supports 3.5" drives, but I don't have the budget for that at the moment and then the energy consumption would be much higher.

It is not a matter of my life that I can make it happen, but the question excites me.
Now it is also clear that this is not "officially" supported, but in principle Proxmox VE is not supported either, but it works flawlessly.

Thanks to Dell and everyone who takes time for me.

Hi.:
Feri

Thank you for your feedback if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Hi,

Based on your server configuration description, I don't think you will be able to install additional internal SATA/SAS controller, except HBA controller to external storage. There isn't any Dell SATA/SAS controller available, hence I will not be able to recommend to you.

@BFeri​ Hey buddy sorry for the Slow response,  looked over your Current system details and there is no possibility of the internal Controllers, so Good luck and keep rocking...!!

Did I answer your query? Please click on ‘Mark as Accepted Answer’. ‘Thumbs up’ the posts you like!