Mixing different hard drive model/firmware versions (same spare number) in a server/array

[Global_One_Tech]

Hello,

Is it okay to use these drives together?

BF036863B5 HPB3

and

BF0368A4CA HPB5

I realize they are the same spare number (404714-001) and have been advised by the supplier that they are functionally identical and compatible but wanted to get verification from HP on this.

Thanks!

[Suman_1978]

Hi,

You can use the two drives togeather provided they both have the same part number and description.

Firmware version depends on the model number and model depends on drive manufacturer or month/year of manufacture.

289241-001 = 36.4 GB Ultra320 SCSI 15K rpm Universal Hot-plug hard drive, (1 inches).

Alternate part number is RoHS 404714-001.

Thank You!
I am a HP employee
__________________________________________
Was the post useful? Click on the white KUDOS! Thumb below to say Thank You!

Useful Links for ProLiant Servers

Self Solve Options for ProLiant Servers

[Global_One_Tech]

Suman, thank you for your reply.

I see in the HP Model Number Matrix document (linked here) that the BF036863B5 and the BF0368A4CA are both the same spare number (404714-001) and have the same description (36.4 GB, Ultra320, 15K Hot-Pluggable, SCA 80 pin 1-inch).

So, to clarify, are you saying that it is okay to use the the BF036863B5 and the BF0368A4CA in the same server/array, even though they are different firmware versions?

Thanks!

[Suman_1978 · Accepted solution]

Hi,

Yes you can use these two models in same array.

Concern would be if you use different firmware version on the similar model drives.

Thank You!
I am a HP employee.

Useful Links for ProLiant Servers

Self Solve Options for ProLiant Servers

[Jimmy Vance]

The only steadfast rule on drives in an array is that they must be of the same type either SAS or SATA.  You should always run the latest firmware on the drives. Diffrerent drive models of the same capacity may not use the same firmware.

[Global_One_Tech]

Thank you both for confirming that it is okay to use those two models in the same server/array.

You mentioned that it is best to always run the latest firmware.  Can you provide a link to where we can get the latest firmware for these drives?

[Global_One_Tech]

To answer my own question - here is where the latest firmware can be found:

HP SCSI Ultra320 Hot-Pluggable Hard Disk Drives - Firmware

I assume if a model isn't listed, then there were never any post-production firmware updates?