topic Re: ML370 and array in ProLiant Servers (ML,DL,SL)

ML370 and array

Chris_267 — Sat, 15 Feb 2003 16:32:45 GMT

I have a Compaq ML370 with (5) 9GB 10k Ultra SCSI 3 drives in the hotswap cage on the left side of the case.

It looks like they are connected to the onboard scsi controller, which in device manager, shows they are 'Dual channel Wide Ultra 2 SCSI' controllers.

How can I configure these for RAID5? Are these just not RAID controllers?

Also, I do not have a smartstart CD.

I'm new to this and could really use some help.

Re: ML370 and array

e4services — Mon, 17 Feb 2003 02:19:30 GMT

THe onboard controller is not a RAID controller. If you had one it would be a seperate card. So you can not setup a RAID array unless You purchase one.

Re: ML370 and array

John Grove_1 — Mon, 17 Feb 2003 08:17:15 GMT

You could use software raid through the OS, allthough not recommended as it has performance overheads.

All the components of smartstart can be downloaded individually from HP if you dont have a disk.

John

Re: ML370 and array

Gert Luyten — Mon, 17 Feb 2003 10:19:33 GMT

DON'T choose OS RAID as this can be as 400% slower than hardware RAID.

The ML370 (G1 and G2) can be upgraded with an embedded RAID controller (G1 = Integrated SmartArray Controller, G2 = SmartArray-5i controller). The G3 model cannot, but you can always buy a PCI Smart Array controller, like the SA-532 or SA-431 for older models.

Simply connect the disk cage SCSI cable to the SA controller, boot the server from a Smartstart CD and select Assisted Install.

If you don't have a SmartStart CD, it's recommended to have one. You can buy a subscription from http://h18000.www1.hp.com/products/servers/management/smartstart/subscription.html but make sure that you have version 5.50 or lower for G1 model of servers.

PS: since you're new to this, you can assign forum points for those that help you out :-)

Re: ML370 and array

Matthew Hargraves — Mon, 17 Feb 2003 16:48:59 GMT

SmartStart is nice, but not necessary. If you would be using this server for Terminal Services in any way other than administrative Terminal Services, do NOT use the SmartStart CD, since you want Terminal Services installed with the OS, not added later.

Also, if you are going to use it for Terminal Services, go buy a RAID card and enable the cache for 50/50. Without that, every time someone logs in you will have a 3-7 second hiccough for everyone on the server. That has to do with Microsoft's wonderful registry writing on session startup. Citrix exacerbates it, but only in as much as they make you write more to the registry. With a RAID card, you won't see a problem until you have around a hudred users on the server.

The biggest reason that you want the SmartStart CD is to alleviate the headache of hunting down the drivers and having to download them. The utilities are pretty nice too though. I do a lot of Citrix work though, so I only get to see the SmartStart utilities about a quarter of the time that I install a server. They seem decent though.

Re: ML370 and array

Gert Luyten — Mon, 17 Feb 2003 17:32:51 GMT

TS, TS?? Never heard of W2K? Then you don't care about doing a manual installation but you wish for the Smartstart Assisted setup. Ever tried to configure the SA controller without the ACU tool from Smartstart in an older Proliant?

Enough said, TS on NT4 requires a manual installation, all other applications on Windows 'newer' OS can handle an assisted one!