ML350 G6 & P410 - how to expand array

[freshslo]

HI !

I created SATA Array A with 1 logical drive and I install OS. Now I add another drive and they appear in ACU as Unassigned Drives. I want to add this unassigned drive to Array A and create mirror. But I don't have this option. I can do only another Array B with this drive ?! Can you please tell me how can I solve this ?

[TTr]

First you have to check if you have the BBWC option in the P410. If you don't you can not make online array changes.

> I created SATA Array A with 1 logical drive

>I want to add this unassigned drive to Array A and create mirror

So I assume you have only one drive in array now. That means the array A is raid type raid0. You can not convert (mirror) directly in one step a raid0 array to a raid1 array by adding a disk. You have to do the following

1. Add the second disk to the existing array A. The array will still be raid0 with 2 disks in it. (do NOT create any more logical drives)
2. Now convert raid0 to raid1

[TarunJain]

Hi TTr,
Very good response

[freshslo]

HI !

Thanks for fast response. I don't have BBWC on P410i ? Can I buy seperatly and installed on existing P410 ?

[TarunJain]

Hi freshslo,
Yes you can buy and install the BBWC wigh cache.
Get in touch with HP Presales and they will guide you.

HP 512MB Flash Backed Write Cache 534916-B21
NOTE: Supported on the Smart Array P410i Controller only.
HP 1GB Flash Backed Cache 534562-B21
NOTE: Supported on the Smart Array P410i Controller only.

Refer:
http://h18000.www1.hp.com/products/quickspecs/13241_div/13241_div.html#Storage
http://h18000.www1.hp.com/products/quickspecs/13201_div/13201_div.html

[gregersenj]

It should be possible to combine 2 RAID = into a RAID 1, without the BBWC

Unfotunately, I haven't been able to find the correct procedure.

You can try this
install the HDD
Open ACU
Create ARRAY B
Create RAID 0.

And check if you get some combine function.

BR
/jag

[gregersenj]

Cut and paste from Q&A on the P400

Q1. What is mirror splitting and recombining?
A1. Mirror Splitting and recombining allows the user to divide a RAID1 array into 2 RAID0 array's. Later you can combine 2 RAID0 array's into a single RAID1 array. ACU allows the user to combine any two RAID 0 arrays of the same size together and select which drive contains the data that you want to keep. This feature is currently only available offline. The user must boot to the Smart Start CD and run ACU from there.

Typically this feature is used when testing out a software patch. The user could split the mirror as a means to save the current data. They could then perform any type of destructive software update they choose and either keeps the resulting data set or revert back to the old data. Another application is cloning.

BBWC is not required for this feature to be enabled.

[TarunJain]

Hi gregersenj,
Nice inforation however as You have pointed out this is not an online activity.

BBWC is required to enable online expansion.
BBWC also gives performance boost in read/write operations therefore server admins prefer to install BBWC.

[gregersenj]

True.

I just wanted you to bare in mind, that is is possible to do so.

also I would like to know the exact procedure.

BR
/jag

[andy-x]

Ciao to all.
I have a ML350 G6 with P410 and 256Mb cache.
I have 3 disk 146GB in RAID5 and now i want add 2 disk.
The OS is Linux with partition based for harddisk partition.
I must clear array, re create it and format it and reinstall all?
Thanks for all.