SmartArray E200i - how many separate raid1s?

[IVITERA]

Hello,

how many separate RAID1 mirrors built of two drives each can the SmartArray E200i controller support in the 6 x 3,5" drives ML350 G5 model? We have 5 drives only, and have successfully tested 2 x RAID1 + 1 separate drive. We need 3 raid1 arrays, will the controller allow that if we buy the remaining 6th drive?

Thanks in advance for your help.

[gregersenj]

The Smart Array E200 support up to 32 Logical Drives.
http://h18000.www1.hp.com/products/quickspecs/12460_div/12460_div.pdf

So it shouldn't be a problem.

Cheers
/jag

[TTr]

> gregersenj: The Smart Array E200 support up to 32 Logical Drives

That does not say anything about the number of raid1 arrays. All 32 logical drives can be created on ONE raid1 pair. However you are right, it should not be a problem creating 4 raid1 pairs with the e200.

[gregersenj]

TTr
I have been trying to find documentation, on the SA / ACU, to find these limits, but with no luck.
So I do believe, it's possible to create 32 logical drives in anyway you like. Of course with the 32TB limit.

I might be wrong.

[TTr]

> So I do believe, it's possible to create 32 logical drives in anyway you like

Yes that's the point I was trying to make.

[gregersenj]

TTr

Ohh, I think you are getting wrong here
"That does not say anything about the number of raid1 arrays. All 32 logical drives can be created on ONE raid1 pair. However you are right, it should not be a problem creating 4 raid1 pairs with the e200."

When we are talking Smart Array terms.
An Array is the disks, that are grouped together. At this poit you do not choose the the RAID level.

The RAID level is set when you create the logical drive.

If we take the current case you can
Put all 6 drives in 1 array, and then create 3 RAID 1 logical drives.
If I remember correctly, you even get to choose wich drives to put the Logical drive in (It's been a long time since I have been playng with this)

[IVITERA]

Hello,

Thank you all for the information, we will continue with our plan.

[TTr]

Gregersenj: You said that "The Smart Array E200 support up to 32 Logical Drives", right?
So how does that statement about the number of logical drives prove that the E200 allows the creation of 4 raid1 pairs?
What I said was that "All 32 logical drives can be created on ONE raid1 pair" which is a true statement and it implies that by being able to create 32 logical drives does NOT mean that you must have 4 raid1 pairs.

[IVITERA]

Exactly that was my question when I read about the 32 logical arrays support in HP documentation.

The best outcome would be if someone confirmed that they are using three or more RAID1s on this controller.

[gregersenj]

Ahh, I made the mistake, writing that 4 RAID 1 shouldn't be a problem. Sorry.
I't should have been 3 RAID 1's.

Anyway, since the E200i supports 32 Logical drives (LUN's), you can create 32 RAID 1, even on 2 disks.
You can create 32 LUN' of any RAID supportet by the RAID controller.
You will need to have the minimu required disks for the RAID Level at any time.

Or You can do as You want to.
use 6 disks, and create 3 totally separate RAID 1's i 3 arrays, using the entire Array for each RAID 1.

If you want to create "separate" RAID 1's
The maximum for the E200i will 4, since it support the max of 8 disks.
That's not an excuse for typing wrong.

BR
/jag

[IVITERA]

Thank you for your clear statement. I will go ahead.

[IVITERA]

I have been given the information I sought.

[gregersenj]

My pleasure :)

Remember to ensure the backup.

And you can do this operation on-line.

Cheers
/jag