Hp p420 raid controller in hba mode

[christian_domes]

Hello

How can i set a p420 raid controller to hba mode?

[Anu_K]

Hello christian_domes,

I don't think P420 can be used in HBA mode as there is no indication of HBA mode/Mixed mode in the quickspecs of the controller (https://h20195.www2.hpe.com/v2/getdocument.aspx?docname=c04111534#)

Hope it helps!

Note: "While I am an HPE Employee, all of my comments (whether noted or not), are my own and are not any official representation of the company."

[kira12]

Hello,

you can set the P420 to hba Modus, but the Disk will not shown as Raw Disk, they are only available as ciss Device and not as raw Device. Its not recommended to use for ZFS.

best regards ré

[SanjeevGoyal]

Hello,

Take the complete data backup before convert the HBA mode and follow the below steps.

1.Boot to HP Smart array configuration utility (F10)
2.Erase all RAID array (you can choose "Clear configuration" option)
3.Choose "Enable HBA Mode"
4.Reboot server

Follow the below HPE Smart Storage Administrator User Guide (Page no#48)

https://support.hpe.com/hpesc/public/docDisplay?docId=dp00002635en_us&docLocale=en_US

https://support.hpe.com/hpesc/public/docDisplay?docId=dp00002639en_us&docLocale=en_US

If you feel this was helpful please click the KUDOS! thumb below!   

Regards,

[Moderator edit: Updated the link.]

[Shalak]

> Its not recommended to use for ZFS.

I found other materials online that claim otherwise. Can you share more info on why ZFS on P420 in HBA mode is a bad idea?

[kira12]

Hi,

the Disks will not shown as raw Disk, they are only available as ciss Device and not as raw Device. ZFS like raw Devices...

best regards ré

[GuyMarkT]

Thank you for this.

I have read elsewhere though that a 420i in HBA mode is no longer bootable - and we have to use another method of booting. Is this still true or is there a firmware fix that can be downloaded?

My machine is a DL360 Gen 9 - and I want to learn about using ZFS - I am trying to use the standard card because I don't want to just buy a plain old SATA card in case it triggers the "Fan Problem".

Please can you clarify that if I am happy to "start over", will the 420i work reliabily in HBA mode - and ideally allow the system to boot too. - if not, is there a card that I can replace the 420i with - that will not trigger the "fan problem" and the service will just "play nicely"?

Kind Regards
Mark

[christian_domes]

Hi Mark

I have activated hba mode for my sata disks and booted from an usb. It
worked fine!

With kind regards,
Christian Domes

[GuyMarkT]

Thank you Christian.

I have wondered about just "booting from USB" and trying to use the controller in HBA mode. I guess it's time to give it a whirl.

Thank you again.
Mark