DL380G4 not compatible with RA4100?

[Johnny Ngan]

I have DL380G1 server connecting to RA4100 on FC HBA, and planned to upgrade the server to DL380G4 running Win2003 server. However local HP sales told me that DL380G4 is not compatible with my raid array. Is that true? We are running out of budget for addition investment on disk storage. Please advice. Thanks.

[Prashant (I am Back)]

Hi,

It will work
http://h18000.www1.hp.com/products/quickspecs/10435_div/10435_div.HTML

Note :
Any Intel-based server (Multi-platform Intel-based servers are only supported when running Microsoft Windows NT, Windows 2000 NetWare, Linux and SCO operating system.)

Regards,
Prashant S.

[Oleg Koroz]

Johnny can't confirm exactly with RA4100, but for all internal PCI card, all G4 server support only 64/133 Data path (64/100)
check
StorageWorks Options

http://h18000.www1.hp.com/products/quickspecs/12028_div/12028_div.HTML

[Terry Hutchings]

The DL380 G4 supports UP TO 64 bit/133 mhz. You can use a 32 bit/33 mhz card in this server, but you have to make sure it is a 3.3v adapter. Which HBAs are you currently using with the RA4100?

[Oleg Koroz]

Terry Correct me if I'm wrong
Can you use storage controllers with 32 bit/33 MHz?

Should not be only 64/133? And depend on the slot it will go 133 or 100?

[Terry Hutchings]

In order to get best performance you'll want to use 64bit/66mhz or better, but this isn't a requirement. The slowest available pci technology (32/33) will work, but card has to be keyed correctly and this is dependant on the voltage (in this case 3.3v).

[Johnny Ngan]

Thanks Terry, I got the part number only for HBA 120186-B21, it's 64bit/66Mhz

[Brian_Murdoch]

Johnny,

There are problems with some PCI cards in the G4's which has to do with the way HP have implimented the PCI bus on these models.

The BIOS of the ML370G4 and DL380G4 (I think) has been written to detect cards which are not 64bit/133Mhz capable and report them as unsupported.

The 3Com 3C996 model NIC's is an example. They work fine in G3's but not G4's.

Just be aware that if you try this card and it is reported as "unsupported" then it simply won't work.
Maybe not the response you were looking for but it's better to be forewarned.

I hope this helps.

Brian

[Johnny Ngan]

So would it be possible to connect the RA4100 with a new 2Gb FC HBA which is compatiable with G4 server?
Anyway, thank you for all of your advices.

[Oleg Koroz]

Newer HBA should work, as 64/133 dilemmas more related to directly connected PCI Cards on the local bus.
Additional info for locally connected cards, beside Array controller there was reports on the both third Party and not: modems, serial cards, alternate NIC and SCSI controllers where
Error detected as:
Unsupported PCI Card Detected. Remove PCI Card from Slot [slot number]

small example
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?objectID=PSD_CN0466W

if you willing to count on the technical support it will be based on the product that listed in the QuickSpecs