How to disable HP SmartCache on DL380 G8

[mikeh5]

I’m working with a company who recently purchased servers with the following (relevant) specs:

-HP DL380 G8

-HP Smart Array P420 + 10 7.2K SAS disks configured in individual RAID 0 arrays

-HP Smart Array P822 + 12 7.2K SAS disks configured in individual RAID 0 arrays

-HP 2GB FBWC FOR P-SERIES SMART ARRAY

-Physical Write Cache is disabled for the Smart Arrays. Logical Cache is set to 25% read 75% write.

We are trying to validate that the storage meets our designed IO targets within acceptable latencies. Read latencies are fine, but we’re seeing massive write latencies (sometimes over a full second). I found the Whitepaper below, which suggests this can happen if the FBWC is used in conjunction with HP SmartCache (see pages 9-11).

https://support.hpe.com/hpesc/docDisplay?docId=emr_na-c03641668

We’re trying to determine how to disable SmartCache, but can’t find any guidance. When we look in the HP Smart Storage Administrator, SmartCache shows as unlicensed, and won’t let us configure, or even view any options for it. How do we confirm that this is disabled or not, and disable it if it isn’t? Can the HPACUCLI do this?

Thanks.

[Moderator edit: Updated the broken link.]

[Torsten.]

Smartcache needs SSDs and a license.

You don't have both.

See

https://support.hpe.com/hpesc/docDisplay?docId=c04123148

Why RAID 0?

[Moderator edit: Updated the broken link.]

[Renjiv]

Greetings!

HP SmartCache can be enabled or disabled per logical volume. 

HP SmartCache is supported on HP ProLiant Gen8 servers with one of the following controllers: P420i, P420, P421, P822 and P721m. HP SmartCache is an included feature on the P822 and P721m/2G FBWC. For the other controllers it can be enabled by means of a license key.

As it is showing as unlicensed, it is not enabled.

If you need more info on how to configure SmartCache in details, you may check the below link:

http://www.serverhead.com/guide-configure-hp-smartcache-on-hp-gen8-server/

Regards,

Renji V

[Jim Strowe]

The link is long dead