HP Smart Array P440ar in HBA mode

[Karolis_S]

Hello,

I have an issue with HP proliant 360 Gen9 with HP Smart Array P440ar in HBA mode.

Server has 8 X 900 GB sas drives installed. Server works in BIOS legacy mode.

I'am trying to install centos 7. Centos7 installation only detects 1 HDD, other 7 are missig (same with centos 6.5).

HP Smart Storage Administrator (HPSSA) shows all 8 drives.  

What do I need to do in order to resolve this issue?

[Torsten.]

AFAIK if there are logical disks configured (RAID mode) and you switch to HBA mode, all these configured disks are invisible until you switch back the mode or delete the RAID. Check for configured RAID.

[Karolis_S]

No logical disks (RAID mode) are created.

[Karolis_S]

i have found solution. its necesary to use newiest raid controler driver

https://support.hpe.com/connect/s/product?language=en_US&cep=on&kmpmoid=7274889&tab=driversAndSoftware

[Moderator edit: Updated the broken link.]

[Torsten.]

Thanks for the update.

However, I would not use the HBA mode without a very good reason ... ;-)

in most scenarios the RAID mode is likely the better choice.

[mtim24]

I have this same problem, I dont' see an option to delete the current RAID configuration or how to remove the HBA mode...how do I go about doing that.

[Shalak]

@Torsten.would you mind elaborating more on why HBA is not that good of an idea? I would like to run ZFS on my home server and I'm wondering about purchase of DL360 Gen9 with P440ar...

[Vinky_99]

Good day @Shalak !

HBA mode is generally recommended for use with ZFS or other software RAID solutions because it allows the operating system to have direct access to the drives, without the controller's interference. ZFS is a sophisticated file system and volume manager that performs its own data integrity checks and uses its own error recovery mechanisms. When you use a hardware RAID controller, it can interfere with ZFS's ability to manage the drives effectively.

In contrast, HBA mode presents the drives directly to the operating system, allowing ZFS to control all aspects of data storage, including error detection, correction, and redundancy. This approach can be more flexible and provide better data integrity for ZFS-based systems.

In summary, resolving the drive detection issue during CentOS installation on your HPE ProLiant Gen9 server with the P440ar controller in HBA mode may involve updating firmware, drivers, and ensuring correct BIOS/UEFI settings. HBA mode is generally preferred for ZFS, as it allows the OS and ZFS to have direct control over the drives and their management, without the interference of a hardware RAID controller.