DL380 G5 increase size of a RAID 5 array

[bradshr]

We have a DL380 G5 with a RAID 5 array.  It has 8 72GB 15K discs with a P400 controller. The end users have asked for the array size to be increased with larger drives. Is it the case that

-if the array size is increased, then it would be necessary to replace all 8 drives with equivalent larger drives?

-each drive would have to be replaced individually until the array rebuilds?

-what is the best way to replace a working drive. I heard one way is to shut down, remove the drive, then hit F2 to fail that drive only, then insert the new drive? Is there any online method of doing it?

-I guess rebuild times would be 40 minutes plus per drive on  a quiet server, possible longer on a busy server

-the array could then be extended using the ACU?

-how long do arrays take to expand, can this be calculated based on number of drives, specification of drives and amount of increase?

P.S. This thread has been moved from General to ProLiant Servers (ML,DL,SL). - Hp Forum Moderator

[Torsten. · Accepted solution]

-if the array size is increased, then it would be necessary to replace all 8 drives with equivalent larger drives?

yes, unless you can just add more drives

-each drive would have to be replaced individually until the array rebuilds?

yes

-what is the best way to replace a working drive. I heard one way is to shut down, remove the drive, then hit F2 to fail that drive only, then insert the new drive? Is there any online method of doing it?

just pull the drive

-I guess rebuild times would be 40 minutes plus per drive on  a quiet server, possible longer on a busy server

-the array could then be extended using the ACU?

yes

-how long do arrays take to expand, can this be calculated based on number of drives, specification of drives and amount of increase?

it depends on server load etc ... but doesn't really matter, because you can still work with it.