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Re: expand disk array using smart array 5i question.

 
fred kong
New Member

expand disk array using smart array 5i question.

I need to expand my disk array. I have 3 hotswap 36gig drive running raid 5. I also have an empty hotswap bay. what is the best way to expand my raid. I'm open to getting 3 to 4 new drives if neccessary.

OS-window2000 server with Exchange2000 svr. The raid 5 is partition into 2 partitions.

Any advice is welcome and thanks in advance.
3 REPLIES 3
JohnWRuffo
Honored Contributor

Re: expand disk array using smart array 5i question.

Fred:

Ask yourself this question... is an additional 36GB going to be enough space?

If no, then you can purchase 3 new drives to replace the originals and one more to expand into if you need. So, if 3x72GB is enough then all you need to do is:

1. With the Array Configuration Utility (ACU), set your rebuild priority to High. Then, replace each 36GB disk with a 72GB disk one at a time, live (with the server running), and let each drive completely rebuild. Once that disk has completely rebuilt, replace the next one and then let it rebuild... then the next one.

2. Now you have a logical volume with un-alocated space. Using the Array Configuration Utiltiy (ACU) set you array controller expand priority to high. Then use the ACU to expand the RAID5 to use the un-allocated space.

Then you need to follow the directions for using Diskpart.exe from Microsoft to expand the volume.

Here is a document that will walk you through the whole process:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;237740&Product=win2000
There are links to the diskpart.exe utiltiy and directions for it in the above.

Here is the ACU Users Guide:
ftp://ftp.compaq.com/pub/supportinformation/techpubs/user_reference_guides/239449-004_rev4_us.pdf

One thing also, make sure you have the latest bios installed on your server as well as on the 5i controller.
http://h18000.www1.hp.com/support/files/server/us/download/20143.html

If you still need to expand to 4 disks, then complete this operation and then add the 4th disk. Be sure you have a Very Good Backup before starting this!

G'luck! -john
Enjoy!
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fred kong
New Member

Re: expand disk array using smart array 5i question.

Thanks.

My company is willing to do 4 x 146.8 GB. Since the price have drop down a lot recently. So can the Smart Array 5i / DL380 / win2000k handle the 400+ GB capacity without buying new controllers?

JohnWRuffo
Honored Contributor

Re: expand disk array using smart array 5i question.

Yes, but you will certainly need to make sure the bios is up to date and use the very latest version of the ACU to expand with. Lots of fixes in both...

G'luck! -john
Enjoy!
__________________________________________
Was the post useful? Click on the white KUDOS! Star.

Do you need help with your HP product?
Try this: http://www.hp.com/support/hpgt