Migrate array from Integrated Smart to Smart 4200 controller?

[David Quick_1]

I need to migrate a RAID5 array from the Integrated Smart array controller on a DL380 (G1) to a Smart Array 4200 controller card.

I've installed the card and drivers. Is there anything else I need to do other than move the SCSI cable over to the Smart 4200 and change the boot order?

Thanks.

[Doug de Werd]

Make sure you have a backup!

The Smart Controller technology is pretty consistent across families, which allows you to do stuff like this. But most of the migrations are one way, from older technology to newer technology, and are usually not reversible. Boththe integrated Smart from a DL380 G1 and a Smart 4200 are pretty old, and I can't remember which one is older (I think the 4200 came out in 1999, and the DL380 in 2000). They "appear" to have the same specs according to this doc (p. 5-7 and p. 5-11)
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bc/docs/support/UCR/SupportManual/TPM_136363-004/TPM_136363-004.pdf

One of the things that you may have to do is to upgrade the controller driver for the 4200. You must do this BEFORE you make the switch (boot from integrated with 4200 installed, add driver, power down, remove integrated, change boot order, reboot). If you don't add the 4200 driver, it may not boot after the switch.

Here is a doc that talks about it with some older cards, but it will give you the general idea:
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?objectID=PSD_EM010515_CW01

I'm not sure if this doc helps:
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/genericDocument?lc=en&cc=us&docname=c00180566


But if it is not compatible, it is absolutely critical that you have a current backup in case anything goes wrong.

Thanks,
Doug

[David Quick_1]

Doug;

As I said, I've installed the W2K drivers and the OS sees the controller, ans does ACU.

Looking at the QuickSpecs, the Integrated SA controller has a 32 bit bus, 8 MB cache, and does 80 MB/second. The SA4200 has a 64 bit bus, 64 MB cache, and can do 264 MB/second, so that's a significat upgrade from the integrated controller.

I just wanted to be sure my migration plan is sound. Yes, I'll have a good tape backup before proceeding. The rest of it sounds right, correct? Move the SCSI cable over to the 4200 and change the boot order?

Thanks.

[Doug de Werd · Accepted solution]

sounds like you're ready to go

change the cable and boot order, and...

Good Luck!

Doug