MicroServer Gen8 B120i: Two RAID arrays

[errrozz_-_-]

Hello Everybody,

I am preparing a quote for one of my customers based on a MicroServer Gen8. Obviously the customer is budget conscious so quoting a costly P222 controller would defeat the purpose.

I was wondering if anyone could tell me whether they were able to create two RAID1 arrays using the stock B120i controller? I plan to include 2x500 and 2x1TB drives and want to configure each pair as a standalone RAID1 array.

I had a look at the documentation but there is no clear indication to the supported maximum number of RAID arrays, only logical drives are mentioned.

Thanks in advance for any help!

P.S. This thread has been moved from ProLiant Servers (ML,DL,SL) to ProLiant Servers - Netservers. - Hp forum Moderator

[Torsten.]

Important limitations of the B120i:

x2 6Gb/s SATA physical links (compatible with 3Gb/s SATA )
NOTE: Two SATA ports will be running at 6Gb/s and reaming ports will be running at 3Gb/s.

Up to 8 logical volumes (6 physical drives)

RAID 0 (Striping), RAID 1 (Mirroring)
RAID 1+0 (Striping & Mirroring)

http://h18000.www1.hp.com/products/quickspecs/productbulletin.html#spectype=worldwide&type=html&docid=14343

[errrozz_-_-]

Thank you but it doesn't answer my question.

And this is part of the problem, HP's terminology: Most vendors define a logical drive as a carved portion of a RAID array. In the documentation HP mention the term "array" but they seem to treat physical groups of disks and logical groups of disks as a "logical drive", hence my confusion. An array is normally a group of disks in RAID configuration and the logical drive is the portion (or portions) usable for data storage.

All I want to know is if it is possible to create two independent RAID1 arrays/drives. 4 physical disks occupying all drive bays with the following configuration:
2x 500GB in RAID1, 500GB logical drive
2x 1TB in RAID1, 1TB logical drive

Thanks again.

[Jimmy Vance]

Yes you can create 2 RAID 1 arrays. You can then carve each array into multiple logical drives

[BK_HPE]

Hi @errrozz_-_-

Jimmy Vance is correct you can create 2 RAID 1 arrays.  The Dynamic Smart Array B320i is an up to 6Gb/s SAS or SATA controller.  It supports up to 8 SAS or SATA drives with RAID 0, RAID 1, and RAID 10.  RAID 5 is available with an optional 512 MB FBWC module is installed.  This controller also supports SAS and SATA Solid State Disks for enhanced performance. 

According to the HP Dynamic Smart Array RAID Controller User Guide the HP Dynamic Smart Array B120i Controller supports up to eight logical drives.

The HP ProLiant MicroServer Gen 8 Quick Specs shows that you can install 12TB (4 x 3TB) 3.5" SATA drives, gives more information, as far as standard features, optional features, and service and support.  This document also gives part numbers for the  (659341-B21) and the HP 1TB 6G SATA hard drive (659337-B21).

I would like to connect you to one of our specialists who has more details on these products and can help you set up or configure your unit.  I sent you a private message with some information I need in order to connect you to the correct specialist.  Please let me know if you would like me to set this up for you.

[errrozz_-_-]

Hi BK_HP, thanks for offering to help. I just wish there was a quicker way to get to this type of help when inquiring about a product.

In the meantime I just went with an ML310e Gen8 v2 and a P222 controller (631667-B21). Yes it costs more and takes more space but as a solution it's 10 times better in every respect and can grow with the business.

Thank you everyone for your vaulable input.

[Jimmy Vance]

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@BK_HP wrote:

Hi @errrozz_-_-

Jimmy Vance is correct you can create 2 RAID 1 arrays.  The Dynamic Smart Array B320i is an up to 6Gb/s SAS or SATA controller.  It supports up to 8 SAS or SATA drives with RAID 0, RAID 1, and RAID 10.  RAID 5 is available with an optional 512 MB FBWC module is installed.  This controller also supports SAS and SATA Solid State Disks for enhanced performance. 

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Some system with the B120i can add the optional cache module. The MicroServer Gen8 is not one of the models that supports that feature.

[BK_HPE]

Hello @errrozz_-_-

I think you made a great choice with the ML310e Gen8 v2 and P22 controller, especially if room for growth is a priority for your customer.  I apologize for the time it took to get the answers you needed.  If you have any product questions in the future, please feel free to PM me or @mention me in a thread.

[drjamiegreen]

Sorry I am a novice here.

I have set up my arrays, using RAID 0.

I am considering at a later point adding in 2 more drives to create either RAID 0+1, or making the arrays larger. How possible is this?

I also have the Gen8 Microserver.

Regards,

[Jimmy Vance]

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@drjamiegreen wrote:

Sorry I am a novice here.

I have set up my arrays, using RAID 0.

I am considering at a later point adding in 2 more drives to create either RAID 0+1, or making the arrays larger. How possible is this?

I also have the Gen8 Microserver.

Regards,

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The embedded controller on the Microserver does not have a cache module so migrating raid levels or expanding an array is not possible. If you install one of the 'P' series Smart Array controllers with a cache module you can then perform those functions