Question about my server & RAID

[d1k]

Hello, I bought a used Compaq Proliant 1600. It has a 6 drive hot plugable cage with a 9gb hdd and two 18gb hdd's.

How can I setup RAID1 for the two 18gb drives? I plan on setting up Slackware Linux with the box and want to set the two 18's for RAID1. From what I understand on what I read in the documents it is capable of it but do not see any options in the system config partition for setting it up.

Thank you kindly
Daryl

[JohnWRuffo · Accepted solution]

When you purchased the 1600, did you get the SmartStart CD with it?

If not, you can configure the server with the System Configuration Utility:
http://h18000.www1.hp.com/support/files/server/us/download/13227.html

As for the Array, does your server have a SmartArray Controller in it?

If not, you will have to use the O/S to build a software mirror.

If you do have an old SMART-2 controller, you may be able to config the array with this:
http://h18007.www1.hp.com/support/files/proworkstation/us/download/8604.html
Do NOT use this if you only have a "SCSI controller"

You can order a SmartStart 5.5 CD from HP that will help you set up this server from here:
http://h18004.www1.hp.com/support/files/server/us/subscription/PSM_subscription.html
Make sure you order only version 5.50 as this is the last version that will work on this server.

G'Luck! - john

[d1k]

No I did not get the CD with it. Nor do I know if it has this smart controller. I bought it "broken" for cheap, turns out it just needed that CPU fan :)

Where can I check if it has this smart controller?

Thanks again John
Daryl

[JohnWRuffo]

This will be a PCI based card with 68pin SCSI connectors on the inside of the server as well as one or more SCSI external connections.
Here is a photo that it may look like:
http://h30074.www3.hp.com/csnOther/SPICatalog/photos/340855-001.jpg

[d1k]

Darn, I do not have that. I thought because the server had the hot plug drive cage that the feature would part of the cage.

[JohnWRuffo]

No, the ProLiant 1600 will have an internal Wide Ultra SCSI-3 SCSI controller. (Not Raid)

PIII Model:
http://h18000.www1.hp.com/products/quickspecs/10035_na/10035_na.HTML

PII Model:
http://h18000.www1.hp.com/products/quickspecs/10034_na/10034_na.HTML

[JohnWRuffo]

If you need a Hardware based RAID for this server, I recommend either the Smart Array 3200 Controller (Option Part Number: 295643-B21) or the Smart Array 4200 Controller (Option Part Number: 295636-B21)

They should be readily available, from on-line parts vendors or maybe e-bay, inexpensively.

If you do not need a RAID controller for this server, then you can create the RAID 1 with your O/S during the install.

[d1k]

Thank you yet again, John. :)