Upgrade Precision T7920 to MagaRaid controller

Question

Hello,

I have a Precision T7920 with 8 x HDD in bays 0,1, 3 and 4. I also have a MegaRaid 9460-16i card that I'd like to use instead of the onboard Intel software RAID solution. After a lot of searching, I found a Dell document that showed me exactly how to do this at Upgrading Storage in the Dell Precision 5820 | 7820 | 7920 Tower Workstations | Dell UK.

This document refers to two parts that look like they will do what I need. For bays 0 and 1, it's 575-BBSM and for bays 3 and 4, it's 575-BBSO. I've tried contacting Dell through multiple channels, but no-one has been able to identify the parts.

Can anyone please help me source the parts I need to upgrade my workstation?

DELL-Cares · Answer

Thank you! We have received the required details. We will work towards a resolution. In the meantime, you may also receive assistance or suggestions from the community members.

Dell on-site tech NewYork · Answer

Hello i do not have all the asnswers but what i can tell you is this :

The flex modular bays are different the Normal configuration is this SAS conversion to NVME or Sas to SATA 3

But the problem is the Daughter board can have different versions of the SAS connector ( Meaning there are 5 versions of the connector which the lasted one has 6 more pins in the middle of the connector ) I work on models 7820 and 5820

Hope this helps > this picture was taken 1-21-22

This is the Latest daughter board to be install on model #5820 ( it has 6 additional pins in the middle of the connector )

Chino de Oro · Answer

Hello @ts267 , this is the parts you need. https://www.ebay.com/itm/254568725653?hash=item3b457a7c95:g:rAQAAOSwoP1elQeH

or https://www.amazon.com/BestPartsCom-2xBackplane-Compatible-Precision-Workstation/dp/B08CZ77V2X/ref=sr_1_20?c=ts&keywords=Computer+Internal+Modems&qid=1644716220&refinements=p_n_condition-type%3A2224371011&s=pc&sr=1-20&ts_id=172508

ts267 · Answer

Hi,

Thanks very much for your feedback. In fact, on my T7920, bays 0,1,3 and 4 all currently have HDDs in them. My issue was that I want to replace the current cables, which connect to the on-board RAID connector, with longer ones that can reach to a MegaRaid PCIe card. I've now discovered that, in the UK, upgrade.co.uk are Dell's official parts partner, and they have ordered the parts for me.

Rain_HH · Answer

Unfortunately, you can not ask for the individual parts. They simply do not sell them individually because they need you to pay a hefty price just for simple extending cables. Nonetheless, contact Dell Business through chat. You have to say you need the quote for "575-BBSM" or "575-BBSO" kits. All parts are included in the kit. I have recently purchased other kits the same way.

P.S. I have always thought you may be able to directly connect your current SATA backplane directly to megaraid through a SAS SFF-8643 extension cord. However, I have not seen a SAS SFF-8643 male to female adaptor cable. You maybe able to get a way with it by extending your short SAS SFF-8643 cable to megaraid controller through some cables like this https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B013G4FGSC/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_3?smid=A21TE5CLHZDYA7&psc=1. However, this needs you to manually strip and connect the wires. It should work technically but I haven't tried this. So it comes with a risk. Also, in this way you may not be able to use the temperature sensor.

ts267 · Answer

Hi Rain_HH, thanks for your feedback. I actually got the parts I need through Dell's UK parts partner: upgrade.co.uk. They arrived within 2 weeks of ordering and are now fitted and I'm running on the MegaRaid card. I had asked Broadcom if there was such a thing as an SFF-extension cable, but there isn't.

The only issue I have now is that the system's front disk activity LED doesn't show any activity, but I can live without that.

Precision Fixed Workstations

Upgrade Precision T7920 to MagaRaid controller

Was this post helpful?