SmartArray P400: Problem expanding array with new disk

[Claudio Della Ciana]

I'm trying to expand a raid5 array on a P400 Controller (DL380 G5)

when i try to expand the array whith hpacucli i get the following error:

----
=> ctrl slot=1 ld 1 add drives=2I:1:4

Error: This operation is not supported with the current configuration. Use the "show" command on devices to show additional details about the configuration.
----

The disk i'm trying to add is a 72Gb 10K SAS drive:
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hpacucli ctrl slot=1 pd 2I:1:4 show

Smart Array P400 in Slot 1

unassigned

physicaldrive 2I:1:4
Port: 2I
Box: 1
Bay: 4
Status: OK
Drive Type: Unassigned Drive
Interface Type: SAS
Size: 72 GB
Rotational Speed: 10000
Firmware Revision: HPDA
Serial Number: P2XR3Z5A
Model: HP DG072BAAJA
PHY Count: 2
PHY Transfer Rate: Unknown, Unknown
----

the other disks are like this one:
----
pacucli ctrl slot=1 pd 2I:1:1 show

Smart Array P400 in Slot 1

array A

physicaldrive 2I:1:1
Port: 2I
Box: 1
Bay: 1
Status: OK
Drive Type: Data Drive
Interface Type: SAS
Size: 72 GB
Rotational Speed: 10000
Firmware Revision: HPD7
Serial Number: 3NP1KDT000009808U35G
Model: HP DG072ABAB3
PHY Count: 1
PHY Transfer Rate: Unknown
----

The new drive seams to be working and i can build a single disk raid 0 logical drive in it.

is there a reason because this disk can't be added to the array?

thanks all.

[TarunJain]

Hi Claudio,
I suspect 512 MB BBWC is not installed on this controller that's Array expansion could not be done.

Reference QuickSpecs :
256 MB 40-bit wide DDR2-533MHz cache upgradeable to 512 MB 72-bit wide DDR2-533MHz battery-backed cache provides up to 4.2 GB/s maximum bandwidth
# Modular, easy-to-upgrade design lets you optimize performance by upgrading from 40-bit 256MB cache to 72-bit 512MB battery-backed write cache (BBWC).
# Addition of the battery backed cache upgrade enables BBWC, RAID 6 with ADG, array expansion, logical drive extension, RAID migration, and stripe size migration.

http://h18004.www1.hp.com/products/quickspecs/12400_div/12400_div.html

[marcus1234]

hi claudio

ensure

Smart Array P400 Controller
HP Smart Array P400/256MB Controller
NOTE: The HP Smart Array P400/256 MB Controller (PN 405132-B21) may only be installed in slots 3, 4, and 5.

405132-B21
HP Smart Array P400/512MB BBWC Controller
NOTE: The HP Smart Array P400/512 MB BBWC Controller (PN 411064-B21) may only be installed in slots 3, 4, and 5.
411064-B21
ensure battery and cache are present and cable is connected correct to battery

as some went out with out the cable the cable was in but to short so never connected at the other side there was an advisory on that isssue

HP SA-P400 and SA-E500 24 In Battery Cable Kit
NOTE: This option kit contains a 24" battery cable and adhesive material for installing a battery into the server if a Smart Array E500 or Smart Array P400 is integrated outside of the factory. For all solutions, please refer to the server QuickSpecs and User's Manual for detailed installation instructions. 417836-B21

part referance guide is below
HP SA-P400 and SA-E500 24 In Battery Cable Kit
NOTE: This option kit contains a 24" battery cable and adhesive material for installing a battery into the server if a Smart Array E500 or Smart Array P400 is integrated outside of the factory. For all solutions, please refer to the server QuickSpecs and User's Manual for detailed installation instructions. 417836-B21

enjoy and goodluck

This is how we thank in the forum

http://forums11.itrc.hp.com/service/forums/helptips.do?#33

[marcus1234]

claudio almost forgot ..this guide has all specs in for your server

http://h18000.www1.hp.com/products/quickspecs/12477_na/12477_na.html#Additional%20Options

enjoy..