Re-install DL380 G2

[Ian Warner]

I have DL380 G2 which currently has 3 18gb drives. I wish to add 2 more 18gb drives and re-install the system (server 2003).. What steps do I need to expand the system prior to the op-sys re-install. What raid option should I take for this configuration?

Any info gratefully received.

Ian Warner

[Rob Leadbeater · Accepted solution]

Hi Ian,

I'll take a guess that the current 3 drives are configured in a RAID-5 stripe giving you useable space of ~36GB.

With 5 drives, I would probably create a RAID-1 mirror on the first pair, and a RAID-5 array on the next three.

The DL380 G2 has a built in SmartArray 5i controller. When it reboots, hit F8 at the relevant point to get into the configuration menu. You can also get to this if you boot up from the SmartStart CD which will take you through a guided install of Windows 2003. This also installs the relevant drivers for the OS.

The setup guide is here:

http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bc/docs/support/UCR/SupportManual/TPM_203844-001/TPM_203844-001.pdf

The latest SmartStart CD can be downloaded from this page:

http://h18023.www1.hp.com/support/files/server/us/locate/69_1342.html#78

Hope this helps,

Regards,

Rob

[Ian Warner]

Thanks for the info,

What reasons do you have for splitting the drives into 2 separate Raid configs as opposed to raid-5 for them all?

Ian

[Rob Leadbeater]

Hi Ian,

Just to give you a bit more speed on the OS disks. RAID-1 is a bit quicker than RAID-5.

If you need maximum space, then go with a single RAID-5 array, and create partitions within that logical disk.

Cheers,

Rob