ESX Server 3.5 - RAID Array/File System Configuration query
I have a recently purchased Fujitsu RX300 S4 server which has 6* SAS 73GB Hard Disks. I am looking to have this machine host around 5/6 virtual machines using ESX 3.5. I have a RAID 5/6 SAS based LSI MegaRAID controller.
I am new to setting up VMWare servers and have a few questions:
When configuring the ESX RAID and partitioning, I am going to use Raid 5. However, I understand that I will need to create many partitions; /boot (100mb), /swap (544mb), /ext3 (5gb), /VMFS3 (10gb per desired VM) and /vmkcore (100mb for the /VMFS3) and finally a /log partition (desired).
As I want 5/6 VM's I assume I should set the /VMFS3 partition to at least 60GB with the possibility of using the maximum available space?
Should I consider using any other paritition with the vfat file system as storage? (We would ideally like a copy of VM's on a seperate partition acting as a backup and nothing more).
Would there be anything needed or useful if using the above configuration? Is there anything that is majorly wrong with the above? As I understand it I will be creating 5 partitions (mentioned above), does this seem correct?
Sorry for the lack of detail beyond what isn't there, I am obviously new to this and am trying to understand how to configure the system to how my company needs it.
Can anyone help?
I am new to setting up VMWare servers and have a few questions:
When configuring the ESX RAID and partitioning, I am going to use Raid 5. However, I understand that I will need to create many partitions; /boot (100mb), /swap (544mb), /ext3 (5gb), /VMFS3 (10gb per desired VM) and /vmkcore (100mb for the /VMFS3) and finally a /log partition (desired).
As I want 5/6 VM's I assume I should set the /VMFS3 partition to at least 60GB with the possibility of using the maximum available space?
Should I consider using any other paritition with the vfat file system as storage? (We would ideally like a copy of VM's on a seperate partition acting as a backup and nothing more).
Would there be anything needed or useful if using the above configuration? Is there anything that is majorly wrong with the above? As I understand it I will be creating 5 partitions (mentioned above), does this seem correct?
Sorry for the lack of detail beyond what isn't there, I am obviously new to this and am trying to understand how to configure the system to how my company needs it.
Can anyone help?
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I usually work on HP servers but, dont use the fujitsu start disk - let the server boot till you see the RAID card it will ask you to press a key to configure arrays
Configure your two arrays here! then boot with the ESX CD in and it will see both LUNS presented - simply create all your setup partitions on the smaller RAID1 LUN and ignore the other one - job done
Pete
Configure your two arrays here! then boot with the ESX CD in and it will see both LUNS presented - simply create all your setup partitions on the smaller RAID1 LUN and ignore the other one - job done
Pete
ASKER
Thanks for your advice once again!
I will continue our investigating and testing before implementing anything serious, I think you have nudged me on to the right track with this particular issue.
I will continue our investigating and testing before implementing anything serious, I think you have nudged me on to the right track with this particular issue.
:) ThanQ
Glad to help
Glad to help
ASKER
Hello Pete,
I was wondering if I can pick your brains again if you are able to offer your services. I have been reading through some books regarding VMware and that all looks relativley straight forward when it comes to installtion of ESX.
I am mainly concerned about the RAID setup now. From what I understand from you advice, I will use 1 Physical HDD which will be mirrored by a second. This will have a raid 1 configuration incase one fails, the other takes over so ALL VM's dont stop working and the server still boots. :)
The other 4 drives will be RAID5 and will essentially be the "storage" partition where the VM's will reside.
I will be using the server start software to create the RAID as I am unfamiliar with doing it otherwise.
Are u suggesting that I do this and then when it comes to installing ESX 3.5 I remove the physical drives or just ignore them and use the RAID1 setup for this.
Sorry for the lack of clarity on this but the mind still boggles at this setup :)
I was wondering if I can pick your brains again if you are able to offer your services. I have been reading through some books regarding VMware and that all looks relativley straight forward when it comes to installtion of ESX.
I am mainly concerned about the RAID setup now. From what I understand from you advice, I will use 1 Physical HDD which will be mirrored by a second. This will have a raid 1 configuration incase one fails, the other takes over so ALL VM's dont stop working and the server still boots. :)
The other 4 drives will be RAID5 and will essentially be the "storage" partition where the VM's will reside.
I will be using the server start software to create the RAID as I am unfamiliar with doing it otherwise.
Are u suggesting that I do this and then when it comes to installing ESX 3.5 I remove the physical drives or just ignore them and use the RAID1 setup for this.
Sorry for the lack of clarity on this but the mind still boggles at this setup :)
no problem - to avoid confision you can simply remove the raid 5 volume yes :) then ESX will only see one LUN so you cant make a mistake
PL
PL
ASKER
I am still confused with your instructions if I am honest, even though they seem very appropriate. With this fujitsu server there is a start CD where you can configure the system for how you want it.
When running through the VM Ware wizard it asks to setup a configuration which is defaulted to RAID5 and then asks for your partitions. (I did have ALL HDD's in at that point, however).
Do you mean I should just leave one HDD in as I setup the system and just leave it as RAID 1? Then proceed with the ESX Installation? Once THIS is done I can put the drives in and go back to install the other partitions/RAID configuration?
Really sorry for the stupid questions but this is something I hve never tried before and don't want to get anything wrong :)