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March 3rd, 2021 13:00
R640, RAID controller and drive options
I'm trying to assess whether the PowerEdge R640 would be a good fit for my organisation, and while doing so I have a question regarding the hardware configuration.
The R640 with a PERC H730P Minicard controller and 4 3.5" drive bays seems like it would be a good fit, however it would be ideal if it were possible to fit two SSDs in there and still have those 3.5" bays available. For this exact situation, there seems to be a 'Dual 2.5" Rear Mounted Flex Bay' available, which looks promising. Additionally, according to the documentation, the PERC H730P supports up to eight internal ports and from what I can find there indeed should be two HD Mini SAS connectors available from the H730P Minicard.
Now my question is: Since the main backplane should only require one such connector for the four bays, would it be possible to use the other connector for the rear drive backplane, and that way connect both the main backplane (with the four 3.5" bays) and the rear backplane (with the two 2.5" bays) to the PERC?
DELL-Joey C
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March 3rd, 2021 18:00
Hi,
Thanks for the interest on our PowerEdge. Well, you can refer to the user guide for RAID controller cabling: https://dell.to/3edqpIB page 102.
I think you're looking for configuration on Figure 87. Cable routing - 10 x 2.5 drive backplane and 2 x 2.5 rear drive backplane with mini PERC.
You also can consider M.2 SSD module, BOSS.
Though, for more information on your request and need, it's best I recommend to contact Dell sales rep for clarification.
tw.
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March 3rd, 2021 23:00
Thanks for your quick reply!
The figure you mentioned is almost what I'm looking for, indeed.
However, the 10x 2.5" chassis includes a SAS expander card to which the rear mounted drive bays are connected.
The chassis with 4x 3.5" drive bays does not have such an expander card, figure 90 (page 105) shows this as well, it does also show only one cable/connector connected to the PERC.
We are actually considering a BOSS card as well, but in addition to the rear 2.5" bay, since we're looking to fit drives that will both read and write a lot, and the 2.5" drives being hot swappable is a big plus.
To make a long story short: unfortunately it doesn't entirely answer our question, but the answer does come close. Is there a chance for more definitive information on this situation?
I am (indeed) considering asking a sales rep, however, I imagine their technical knowledge is limited, and looking over this community forum, this seems a good place to ask!
Thanks again. Interested to learn more!
DELL-Joey C
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March 3rd, 2021 23:00
Hi,
I have seen other users did additional upgrades of the server, taking the advantage of the available ports from the RAID controller, but it's not recommended to consider any other available configuration which is stated. There are issues detecting or at times booting from the additional upgrades. My best recommendation would be Figure 87.
You can refer to Table 32. Supported backplane options for PowerEdge R640 systems Page 97. for the available configuration. Yeah, you have a good point about hot swap replacement in case in any need for replacement.
The sales team have sales consultant which they can request for them to recommend the best solution base on your needs.