Question

RAID (SCSI) Reconfiguration. 4 36GB in RAID, 1 76GB outside of RAID - Options?

Asked by: hbtitansfan

Hello,

First let me appologize for my lack of knowledge on RAID Systems.  I know enough to get by, as I have had to take over our small server as part of downsizing (not part of my normal daily routine).

The problem we are facing is inadequate storage.  We have a Dell System that has 5 slots for Hot-Swapable SCSI drives which contain 4 36GB drives in a RAID and the 5th slot contains a 76GB drive for backups.  The 4 drives are then partioned off approximately 10GB for the OS, and 60GB for the Storage (D Drive).  I am exploring upgrade options, one of which would utilize what we have with no additional purchase.  After talking to DELL support, i realize a few options i have, but wanted to run this by someone not at Dell.

According to the DELL rep, if i were to introduce a larger hard-drive into the RAID system, only 36GB would be used.  (and even if all 4 were switched, it would still use 36GB unless i redid the RAID setup).  However, he said that the space not used for RAID, could be used for storage.

If i were to (is it possible) introduce the 76GB drive into the RAID (all 5 drives used), i am assuming this would provide the overall RAID with an additional 36GB, which would equate to 18GB additional usable space?  Leaving 36GB Non-RAID for other storage?  Which partiton would get the additional space?--Is this something configured upon introducing the new drive to the RAID?

Another option i have is to replace the 4 drives with bigger drives, leaving the 36's unused unless i buy a "PowerVault" -- Dell charges about $2,500 just for this vault, which is high for our company/situation.  Any other options / hardware that can be setup to use these drives?

Thank you for your time.
hb


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Asked On
2005-04-19 at 08:18:53ID21394327
Tags

76gb

,

problem

,

raid

,

reconfiguration

Topic

Hard Drives & Storage

Participating Experts
1
Points
500
Comments
1

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Accepted Solution

by: ChadwhitePosted on 2005-04-19 at 08:55:49ID: 13816652

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