Proliant DL320 G4 Hard Disk access slow

[ProLiant servers (ML,DL]

Hello,

Since my company purchase the Proliant DL320 G4 3 months ago. It seems that the hard disk access has always been slow.

Copying a 5 gig file from 1 partition to another partition on the same hard disk is taking 12-20 minutes. On another test machine which has similar specs and is an older series of proliant it takes only 4 minutes.

The DL320 has a raid 1+0 Configuration. 2 x U320 SCSI 10K Harddrives.

Even though the machine seem to be prebuilt with the raid 1+0 config I read in the forum that it really is raid 1(mirror) configuration.

Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Thanks

[ProLiant servers (ML,DL]

Srry Wrong Model,

It is the DL380 G4. I got confused with the u320 harddrives :)

[Scott de Wolski]

I'm having the same problem. It takes close to 4 minutes to copy a 320MB file. The server is running Win2003. It also is a DC and a WSUS server. I believe this is causing dropped sessions and issues with applications working directly with files on the server (example. Word leaves ~Wxxxx.tmp files behind constantly.) I hope someone can help on this.
Thanks also

[Mauro Rusignuolo]

may you give us some more information?
what means "similar configuration"?
the "slower" system, has what type of HD? what type of raid? what type of raid controller are you using? and the OS? how many GB of RAM? ...

same information needed for the "faster" system...

bye.

TJK

[Brian_Murdoch]

Hi,

Does your DL380 G4 have the optional 128Mb Smart Array Cache Module fitted to the system board? This usually improves performance.
If it doesn't, you may be comparing it to a server which has a cache enabled raid controller.

Use ACU to check if you have Write-Back cache enabled and the size of the cache.

Also see the specifications for the DL380G4 which includes the 128Mb BBW cache module under the Storage Controllers section.

http://h18000.www1.hp.com/products/quickspecs/12028_na/12028_na.HTML

I hope this helps.

Brian

[ProLiant servers (ML,DL]

Hello All,

After ringing up HP Support, After retrieving the log file for the tech guy. He told me in 5 seconds that one of the U320 SCSI Hard Disk was giving a regular time out.

I check the Hard Disk and it does not seem to have the error light on the hard disk.

Neways I should have rang earlier rather then spend two weeks staying back after work changing configs and testing. Didn't realise my comapany was on a care support:- Issues should be resolved in four hours.

I am awaiting the tech guy to come in now.

I will let you know what is the outcome.

Regards

[Scott de Wolski]

Hello,
Would you please provide the location and name of the log file you used. I would like to see if anything is obvious before I call support.
Thanks

[ProLiant servers (ML,DL]

I entered the HP Array Diagnostics Utility. But I find it impossible to read.

I ask the HP tech how he read this file and he told me they have a software that you load in the log file and it tells him the problem.

The 4 Hour Resolve issue from HP is not very good. In all of Australia HP, they do not have a U320 SCSI spare so they have to order from overseas so thats gonna take 10 days.

My Manager is fed up so we gonna purchase
HP DL380G5 XE-5150.

But I let you know what the HP tech does with the harddrive when they come in.

[ProLiant servers (ML,DL]

HP Tech came in but the wrong part was ordered.
But he tells me it sounds like a main board problem.

[Mauro Rusignuolo]

may be ... changin the entire system will work better.
try to suggest it ... -:)

bye.

TJK

[ProLiant servers (ML,DL]

Well there is no urgency on this issue with my company since we got a new server.

I had to chase up HP after all this time to replace the harddisk. Finally a tech comes in and replaces the hard disk.

Rather and wait around to perform a test since it would take a few hours for the mirroring the techie closed the case without my acknoledgement.

I did a test and still slow disk access. I had to open up a new case where the customer service person said another tech will come the following morning to replace with another harddisk. I told her I don't think this would be the problem and ask her I need another re-diagnoses of the problem.

Will continue this saga till the end :)

[Scott de Wolski]

Thanks for the update, please post your continuing results since we are still chasing our problem. The one change that made a big difference on our server was disabling the server anti-virus (not a good fix). I'm chasing that down with the vendor, BitDefender.