Cache Controller Disabled ML350G8

[Andre Southgate]

I have a ML350G8 Server which hasn't had a firmware update for a very long time (I'll get to that below in a bit), but recently it's been running really sluggish and I checked out in ILO and found that it was saying the cache controller was disabled.

It seems to be showing the Backup Write Cache Battery is intact.

Wondering if someone could look at the attached ADU Report and advise the likely cause? (Update, I can't seem to find a way to attach the report. But here is a link:

https://hastebin.com/iduqohapey.sql

Also, what is the latest and current SPP version to support the ML350G8, is that now out of support and I need to install and download the updates for everything one by one?

Is 9.1 for Gen 9 Servers, 8.1 for Gen 8 Servers etc?

[Cali]

Yes, go to SPP Custom Download and choose SPP Gen8.1 + Supplements.

For me, it looks like only the Cache for Logical Drive 3 is disabled.

Array Accelerator Status
------------------------
Logical Drive 1 Enabled
Logical Drive 3 Disabled

You can Enable/Disable this Setting in the Array Configuration Utility.

Cali

[Andre Southgate]

For some reason my server does not have Array Configuration Utility, though I do have the smart storage administrator and I can't see where I can enable the controller for the specific array?

In SSA I see the error: 

The cache for Smart Array P420i in Embedded Slot has been disabled because the backup operation failed.

Physical Drive Write Cache State  < Currently Disabled. Do I enable this? I believe I have a BBWC?

[Andre Southgate]

Hijacking my own thread slightly, I don't see the HP Management agents installed my SPP any longer, and I can't them available to download, has this functionality been replaced by something else now?

[Cali]

Try this:

Software Details - HPE Smart Storage Administrator (HPE SSA) for Windows 64-bit | HPE Support

Typical the Battery (BWCC) failed after 4-6 Years, and without BWCC the Controller disabled the Write Cache.

In newer Controllers, you are able to enable Write Cache without Battery, if you accept to lose Data on Power Failure.

The setting is done by SSA above.

See this, for a Picture and the Spare# should be printed on the BWCC:

HP DL380 SERVER REBOOTED AUTOMATICALLY - Hewlett Packard Enterprise Community (hpe.com)

Cali

[Sham82]

Hello, 

I am not able to Download/Check the report

However if the cache is permanently disabled, it is recommended to replace the cache module and the battery together to resolve this.

Thank you
HPE

[Andre Southgate]

We decided to retire this server rather than spend money on it, and have migrated the workloads to our other servers.

Sorry for being unable to confirm a resolution.

How should I close this thread?