MSA P2000 G3 with 3G and 6G drives

[Helmut Moltke]

Hi,

(a)I have a MSA P2000 G3 with an extra enclosure. I use two types of disks: SATA on 3G and SAS on 6G. I have only on the second enclosure SATA disks. Does this mean that all the MSA disks will run on 3G speed, only the second enclosure (which contains 3G disks) or only the SATA disks (which are 3G disks)?

(b)I would also like to know if 6G disks have really a better performance than 3G disks.

Thanks!

[Helmut Moltke]

From HP StorageWorks P2000 G3 MSA System FC User Guide, page 26:
P2000 G3 MSA System controller enclosures support 6Gbps and 3Gbps drive enclosures.

â ¢ To mitigate potential performance limitations in a mixed-connect drive enclosure environment, cable
3Gbps drive enclosures behind 6Gbps drive enclosures. For optimal performance, do not mix 6Gb and
3Gb disk drives in the same enclosure.
â ¢ Performance will be limited if a 3Gbps drive enclosure is cabled before a 6Gbps drive enclosure â
and cannot be avoided â if reverse cabled. A 6Gbps rated drive enclosure will perform at a 3Gbps
data transfer rate if cabled behind a 3Gbps drive enclosure.
â ¢ If used in a mixed-connect combination, an MSA2000 3Gb drive enclosure should be cabled behind
other supported models, using straight-through cabling.

I understand fromt this that the 3G and 6G disks on the same enclosure do not have an impact on a 6G enclosure, but it should be avoided.

[Helmut Moltke]

From HP StorageWorks P2000 G3 MSA System FC User Guide, page 26:
P2000 G3 MSA System controller enclosures support 6Gbps and 3Gbps drive enclosures.

*To mitigate potential performance limitations in a mixed-connect drive enclosure environment, cable
3Gbps drive enclosures behind 6Gbps drive enclosures. For optimal performance, do not mix 6Gb and
3Gb disk drives in the same enclosure.
*Performance will be limited if a 3Gbps drive enclosure is cabled before a 6Gbps drive enclosure â
and cannot be avoided â if reverse cabled. A 6Gbps rated drive enclosure will perform at a 3Gbps
data transfer rate if cabled behind a 3Gbps drive enclosure.
*If used in a mixed-connect combination, an MSA2000 3Gb drive enclosure should be cabled behind
other supported models, using straight-through cabling.

I understand fromt this that the 3G and 6G disks on the same enclosure do not have an impact on a 6G enclosure, but it should be avoided.