Drive Bay configuration

[Ayman Altounji]

We have an ML530, with 1 drive cage and 6 drives in it. We would like to expand it to the full 12 drives, my question is other than the drives, do I need another internal cage? Another controller card? Do the drives have to be the same as the first 6? It will be setup in Raid5 arrangement.

Thanks

Jim

[Ayman Altounji]

Yes, you will need an additional internal drive cage. As for the controller, that really depends on your current configuration. Most RAID controllers have two ports and since you currently only have one array, you are probably only using one port. I know for sure that the 3200 and 5300 series controllers have two ports. You may be able to expand your current array, but again, that depends on the controller. The 5300 will let you expand, while some others will not. As far as the drives being the same, you don't have' to make them the same as long as they are at least as big as the others, however, if they are going to be different, I would suggest creating an additional array with the new drives. Ideally, they would be the same and you could expand your current array. If you post the details of your current con fig, I can give you more specific advice.
Hope that helps!

[Ayman Altounji]

Good answer from Pkishter...