batterh backed cache forRAID controller

[donkarnash_1]

Hello,
We have ML570 G4 server which runs windows 2003 server and I have Oracle 10g db on it. The disks are RAID6 (i know that is slow) and want to get HP 512MB w/Battery Smart Array Battery Back Write Cache Enabler for the RAID controllers so the write to teh disks can be faster.
Can someone advise how can I do that.
IS it just an add on to the card/server ?
Is it easy to install ??

[KarloChacon · Accepted solution]

hi donkarnash

it's pretty easy just follow this video
look in the list for "BBWC cache module"

http://h20181.www2.hp.com/plmcontent/NACSC/SML/results.htm?SID=1842779&MEID=43C6F100-12FD-47D9-B7B6-FC9CF1B89CA9

also you can check this PDF, pages 59-61
http://bizsupport.austin.hp.com/bc/docs/support/SupportManual/c00673473/c00673473.pdf

regards

[predrag81]

Hi friend,

first you must pay attention on which SA controller you have and than when find out compatible cache modul you just turn off server and upgrade your controller.

There is no propositions, don't be affreid.

Kind regards,
Predrag

[donkarnash_1]

we have HP Smart Array P400 Controller and HP Smart Array P800 Controller (for the MSA)

Thanks for the reply, I will have to get in touch with my HP acc manager and get the part.

Can someone ecplan what is the benefit of the Battery Back Write Cache module ?

Will it make a significant difference ?

[KarloChacon]

quick review about BBWC

http://articles.techrepublic.com.com/5100-10878_11-6064529.html


before updating to 512MB kit (I think you already have 256 with battery for your P400)

update Firmware to latest for the p400 and driver, also test using different values for Read/write in your ACU if that does not work go for 512 kit

regards

[donkarnash_1]

Thanks to all who replied. I checked the array controller settings and have attached the file.
The disks are takign a lot of hit and that is the issue.

[donkarnash_1]

Do I already have the battery backed cache for the controller ??

how can I get the disks to write faster ?

[KarloChacon]

yes you have already 512 MB in those so nothing else to for cache

what do you mean by "The disks are takign a lot of hit and that is the issue."???

are HDDs in both controllers writing slow?
the only difference p400 50% R - 50% W --- p800 25% R - 75% W

I see firmware is the latest but what about drivers?

regards

[donkarnash_1]

Hi Karlo,

I have just installed the latest firmware 8.2 from the CD and thought that should have updated the drivers for the HDD too.

The HDD graph under performance is always thru the roof.

[KarloChacon]

when I say drivers I mean Proliant Support pack 8.1

-> http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/SoftwareDescription.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&prodTypeId=15351&prodSeriesId=1842779&prodNameId=3285475&swEnvOID=1005&swLang=8&mode=2&taskId=135&swItem=MTX-09b2f920d5c34f6a85f096fd6b

regards