4.3 to 9.1GB RAID5 upgrade help

[Robert Jones_18]

I want to replace 4.3GB drives with 9.1 GB 10k ones. I'm not sure of the 7 drive storage array model and do not have a manual but it's labeled COMPAQ 165078-001 and connected to my 1850R server via a COMPAQ SMART 2/P controller. COMPAQ Array Configuration Utility is set up as 6 drives with an online spare. (1) If I hotswap to the 9.1's allowing a rebuild after each replacement, will ACU automatically recognize my new 7 x 9.1GB size? (2) Is there an easier or safer way to install the larger drives? (3) Will the 10k drives be any faster with ACU reading them as WIDE FAST and not ULTRA? (Server physical drives read as ULTRA transfer speed) Thanks.

[Steven Clementi]

If you going to attempt to replace the drives in a Rip, Replace, Rebuild model... then I suggest that you replace the spare first. I think the additional space will show up in the array as free available space, which can then be used to expand the logical drives in that array. (This is after you replace all the drives and it is finished rebuilding).


The easier and/or quicker way might be to just do a final backup, remove the drives, replace with the 9.1's and rebuild, restoring the data afterwards.

If the SA in the 1850 is Ultra capable, then the 9.1's should operate at the higher speeds of Ultra, vs. Wide Fast even though WF has a larger bus. Never did any testing so I can't say for sure.


Steven