Query: MR416i-P Gen11 -  Array expansion and logical drive extension&nbs

[Johnt2]

Is Array expansion and logical drive extension  supported in the this specfic controller MR416i-P Gen11 - ? can anyone give me a lead 

[Greeshma21]

Hi @Johnt2 

You can refer to this document expand Array for an array expansion and Expand Volume to expand the capacity of a logical drive document for the MR Gen11 controller.

Regards,
Greeshma

[otyheno1]

Hi @Johnt2 , refer to https://support.hpe.com/hpesc/public/docDisplay?docId=sd00002176en_us&page=GUID-29FA0C8A-C2E5-4F5A-988F-2B77772F912A.html

I hope you find it usefull

[support_s]

Hello,

Let us know if you were able to resolve the issue.

If you have no further query, and you are satisfied with the answer then kindly mark the topic as Solved so that it is helpful for all community members.

Please click on "Thumbs Up/Kudo" icon to give a "Kudo".

Thank you for being a HPE valuable community member.

[JKworks]

Hi @Greeshma21 ,

I'm in the same situation, I want to add two new disks to my RAID5 array on an MR-416i-p controller.

Currrently I'm unsure because the process 'modify array' begins with setting a new raid level.
I'm afraid that modifying my RAID5 (6 disks) to a new RAID5 (8 disks) would result in a new empty array.
Also, I read in another post that the expansion would take several days with a heavy performance drop.

What are your thoughts on this?

Kind Regards
Jens

[Mr_Techie]

Hi Jens, 

You can safely expand your RAID5 array on the HPE Smart Array MR416i-P without losing data, as long as you keep the RAID level the same during the "Modify Array" process. However, there are a few key points to consider.

1. Expanding the array will redistribute data and parity without erasing your existing array. Backup your data before starting to safeguard against unexpected failures

2. Expansion will take several days depending on the size of your array and workload. Performance degradation is expected during the process. Perform this during low-usage hours

3. If downtime or performance drops are a concern, consider creating a separate array with the new drives instead of expanding the current one

I hope this will help. Let me know. 

[JKworks]

thanks a lot,

yes I can confirm the 'modification' of the array did not change/modify the raid level, it just expanded the array.
@HP, I'd propose to modify the UI experience in this case

Kind Regards

Jens

[Johnt2]

Hi @JKworks

Capacity expansion is only possible on RAID 0, 1, 5 and 6. Please keep in mind, there should only be "1 virtual drive" on the array. If you have more than 1 virtual drive, then you cannot enlarge your array. You will have to create a backup, delete the array, create a new RAID and restore your backup to the new virtual drive.

If you have more that one logice drive created in you RAID array you wont be able to add extra drive and expand the array.

Regards

JT