How to upgrade the 8500 integrated array controller?

[rad-air]

I have a Proliant 8500 with 4*36GB attached to the integrated array controller. Since this controller has only 8MB Read-Cache, I want to upgrade to an other controller, like the SA3200 (seen at ebay for 20$ with 64MB battery backed up cache).
Is it possible to upgrade an existing array from the integrated controller to SA3200, or other? What else is needed, cables?
Anyone has done this before, whats the suggested upgrade path?
Regards
Steffen

[Oleg Koroz]

http://h200001.www2.hp.com/bc/docs/support/UCR/SupportManual/TPM_323333-1/TPM_323333-1.pdf

start from Page 111

[Oleg Koroz]

Integrated Smart Array Bypass Kit (long cable)
Note: This Integrated Smart Array Bypass Kit (PN 212693-B21) is required when the customer chooses to install the Smart Array 5300 Controller in a 64-bit/66MHz PCI slot (slots 10 or 11).

http://h18002.www1.hp.com/products/quickspecs/10388_div/10388_div.HTML

[rad-air]

@KOV
clear on this, but, whereas the spec page you mentioned, only lists controllers like 431/532/5302/5304, the installation guide also refers to the SA 3200 (and this document also: http://h18002.www1.hp.com/products/quickspecs/10388_div/10388_div.html#TechSpecs )
Are there any differences?

And, regarding my second and more important question, is it possible to move the existing array without data loss to the new controller (Win2k3 boot partition on the array!)

thanks in advance

[David Claypool]

Steffen:

Yes, all SmartArray controllers share the same disk signatures and are upward and downward compatible.

[Oleg Koroz · Accepted solution]

4th and 5th generation controllers have more performance.
You have in the Server 64/66 Slot 10, 11
When 3200 controller is slower on the speed
http://h18004.www1.hp.com/products/servers/proliantstorage/smartarray-controllers/smart3200index.html

With 5300 controller you will get true 64-bit, 66MHz PCI interface
http://h18004.www1.hp.com/products/servers/proliantstorage/arraycontrollers/smartarray5300/index.html

3200 at eBay I purchased last week 2 x $10
5300 for a bit more, but more benefits (~$65-120)
5301 specifically 3200 and Integrated Smart Array Controller no big difference

How to upgrade best Practice:
Install Controller in empty slot Power Up server; let system See Controller from POST and Install Driver
Power Down Server, go in the BIOS settings change Controller Order from Integrated to 5300, power down and swap cabling from ROC to Optional PCI controller either one that you select 5300 or 3200
Once again 3200 and Integrated ROC no big difference.

I assume you aware that you can use Upgrade module and make from 8500 DL760 ?
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bc/docs/support/UCR/SupportManual/TPM_216597-002/TPM_216597-002.pdf

[Oleg Koroz]

5301 is a typo = 5302 or 5304

[rad-air]

great, thanks for the fast and very helpful answers!

will looking for a 53xx controller to upgrade now :)
The reason because I want to upgrade the server is the poor write performance in certain cases. As fas as I understand, the integrated array controller has a 8MB cache (read-only, since it has no backup battery), so I was looking for a solution using write-cache too, and figured out the 3200 has 64MB.
Spending some more bucks for the 53xx 64bit models will be ok.
But, regarding the system upgrade to a DL760, I assume there will be no additional performance gain on installing the PCI-X I/O backplane, if the only I/O devices are the internal HDD drives and the factory installed Dual 100 Mbit NIC?!

[Oleg Koroz]

BBWC excellent plan for Read/Write

Upgrade I/O main point is for Expansion Slots 3v PCI-X, hot Plug
Performance increase if you use for External: SCSI, NIC or Fiber Storage, SAN or etc..



DL760
http://h18002.www1.hp.com/products/quickspecs/10813_div/10813_div.HTML

8500
http://h18002.www1.hp.com/products/quickspecs/10388_div/10388_div.HTML

[rad-air]

I'm a little bit confused now which is the right cabling I do need (using a SA5302 in slot 10 or 11)?

The cabling guide at
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?objectID=PSD_EH020911_CW01

refers to a bypass cable (146447-001), a longer bypass cable (146447-002) and a kit (212693-B21)
I'm right, the 146447-001 includes the bypass adapter and a cable, whereas 146447-002 is a longer cable only? And 212693-B21 is a adapter and the longer cable?