ML370 - Raid 5 - (3) 300GB HDD's - Max Size 261GB??

[Tom Scott_2]

I have a ML370 with a Smart Array 431 controller card. I've installed (3) 300GB SCSI HDD's for storage and I'm trying to set them up with RAID 5. I have installed the ACU 7.50.23.0.

When I run ACU it sees the (3) 300GB drives. I go to "create an array", choose "parallel scsi", select the 3 drives and it creates the array.

I then have "Unused space, 858293 MB".

Now I go to "Create a logical drive", choose "raid 5", and the max size is automatically set at 261116 MB (261 GB). A raid 5 calculator says that the max size should be 599GB and I think the limit on the card is 502GB so why is it making it 261GB??

Thanks

[Tom Scott_2]

I'm running Windows 2003 Server SP1

[Tarek Kawach]

Hi Tom:

There was limits to these array controllers and firmware also software ACU.

What is the Current version of the SA431 controller firmware.

The 300gig drives were not available when the last firmware update was for the 431 controller.

here is an advisory on the limitations at that time.

CUSTOMER ADVISORY
Document ID: EX020717_CW01
Version: 2
Legacy ACU Or ACU-XE May Erroneously Allow Logical Drive Extension Beyond The Maximum Supported Size, Causing Errors And Gaps Between Logical Drives
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?objectID=PSD_EX020717_CW01

Initial
Logical Drive
Size Sectors per Track Maximum Extended
Logical Drive Size
255 GBBR="GBBR" ><(261116 MB)="MB)" /> </ 255 32 255 GB<br />(261116 MB)
--
issue with the : Array Configuration Replicator Utility (ACR)

-

The 300 gig drives are less than 1 year old while the array controller is over retired about 3 years ago or more.
-
Smart Array 431 Controller, 1.24 (last firmware update version 1.24 (11 Sep 03))

http://h18007.www1.hp.com/support/files/storage/us/download/19069.html?jumpid=reg_R1002_USEN


****- I recommend to you to boot up the server
- and create the logical drive from the ORCA (SA431 bios) - when controller initializes hit F8 and create the logical drive from there; that will work for you better and there is no limitations on from the software.


Let me know how it works out foryou.

Best regards,

Tarek.

[Tom Scott_2]

Yea, I tried doing it through the bios too. The message I get when I try there is:

"You have attempted to create a logical drive that is too large.

This controller currently supports logical drives less than or equal to 502 GB"

[Tom Scott_2]

Any updates on this? So is it not possible at all? Is there a scsi card I can buy for this server that will allow me to use the 599gb I should be able to with RAID5?

Thanks

[Tarek Kawach]

Hi Tom:

did you try from the F8 (bios of the Array controller not the System configuration utility.


you can use SA5300, SA5302 or SA641


Regards,

Tarek.

[Tom Scott_2]

Yes, I tried doing the F8 via the bios and the message I get when I try there is:

"You have attempted to create a logical drive that is too large.

This controller currently supports logical drives less than or equal to 502 GB"

It doesn't give me any options to select the size. It just allows me to select the drives, select the raid type, and that's it.

Where can I buy those cards and how much are they? Thanks

[Tom Scott_2]

Tarek, did you see my last reply? Also, do you have any links as to where I can buy these cards?

Thanks a lot!