Different size drives in RAID 5 & RAID configuration

[leroy adams]

Hello, I have a ML350 G3 with a 4-drive 641 controller for 4 drives. I would like to buy a couple of larger SCSI drives each year to spread out the cost. I understand that only the size of the smallest drive will be used on the larger drives. But is this still OK?

Also I have a SmartStart CD that originally came with the server. Should I download a newer version or stick with the original one. TIA

[KarloChacon · Accepted solution]

hi leroy

" I understand that only the size of the smallest drive will be used on the larger drives. But is this still OK?"

yes bigger HDDs are going to have the space for smaller HDDs

example

36GB - 36GB - 36GB
and you add 146GB - 146GB
all the HDDs are going to be 36GB
it's OK no problem your server will work OK

you can use either a newer SmartStart CD it is much better or Array configuration utility

I also recommend you to update firmware and drivers for your 641 controller

regards

[Patrick Terlisten]

Hello Leroy,

that's no problem. You can add larger disk drives, but only the smallest size will be used. If you mix 36 GB, 72 GB and 146 GB drives in a RAID 5, only 36 GB of each disk will be used (72 GB useable capacity).

I would update the firmware and driver of the controller before you do this. Install the latest ProLiant Support Pack (PSP) for you server. There will be a new ACU included.

Use the firmware update CD to upgrade BIOS and controller firmware.

Best regards,
Patrick

[leroy adams]

Thanks Patrick, I found a PSP v.6.20(A) for Netware (up to 8.0). Should I dl this one or the latest v 7.52 for Red Hat Linux? I will be putting OES & SUSE Linux on the server. TIA, Leroy

[Patrick Terlisten]

Hello Leroy,

which version exactly deploy? The PSP isn't fixed on a specific server. Check this link

http://h18004.www1.hp.com/products/servers/management/psp/index.html

and especially the HP ProLiant Support Pack
User Guide.

http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bc/docs/support/SupportManual/c00472061/c00472061.pdf

Also take a look into the server support matrix.

ftp://ftp.compaq.com/pub/products/servers/management/smartstart/serversuportmatric.pdf

Best regards,
Patrick