Do i need Battery-Backed Write Cache battery pack to expand the array in HP DL380
Hi
I have a HP proliant DL380 server G4 server and is on raid 5 with 4 hard disk 0f 300GB and the space on C drice 1GB and on D drive only 5GB is left and D is where all our User data is stored.
So i thought of adding another 300 GB harddisk and expanding the array.
I was told i will need to have Battery-Backed Write Cache battery pack to expand the array.
Another person said that if the server is configured on raid 5, i dont need Battery-Backed Write Cache battery pack
I am little bit confused
Any ideas much appreciated.
Thanks
Server HardwareStorage HardwareWindows Server 2008
Last Comment
lianne143
8/22/2022 - Mon
pjam
We use the free version of ESXi on our HP DL380 servers and do need the battery backed write cache to be able to see added space and expand it, not sure if that is necessary for a standard server , but would not think so.
HP has a VIB Bundle for this purpose called:
"HP ESXi Utilities Offline Bundle for VMware 5.x”. The description for this bundle says:
The HP ESXi Utilities Offline bundle for VMware ESXi 5.x includes HPONCFG, HPBOOTCFG and HPACUCLI utilities for remote online configuration of servers. HPONCFG can be used to set up and reconfigure the iLO (Integrated Lights-Out) management controller of a server. HPBOOTCFG can be used to set up the boot configuration for the server. HPACUCLI can be used in the configuration of HP Smart Array controllers and attached storage.
Thanks for this information. If I expand the array by adding 300 GB hard disk and, after the expansion is completed will the 300Gb get distributed across C and D drive?
I am bit concerned , because the C partition is only left with 500mb free space
Thanks
David
No, the extra 300GB will be free space, assigned to neither C nor D.
This is our main user document server. After adding 300GB Hard disk and If I expand the array through HP ACU, will the users be able to access their user documents or do I need to take network downtime.
Yes but it will be slower than normal during the RAID level migration, I'll do it for you if you'll pay for my time. it could be faster to backup/restore but obviously that involves downtime.
andyalder
Yes, they can still use it.
lianne143
ASKER
Thanks Andyalder
I am bit keen on building this array by myself. But if I get stuck I am happy to pay you for the time you spend, how do I contact you.
HP has a VIB Bundle for this purpose called:
"HP ESXi Utilities Offline Bundle for VMware 5.x”. The description for this bundle says:
The HP ESXi Utilities Offline bundle for VMware ESXi 5.x includes HPONCFG, HPBOOTCFG and HPACUCLI utilities for remote online configuration of servers. HPONCFG can be used to set up and reconfigure the iLO (Integrated Lights-Out) management controller of a server. HPBOOTCFG can be used to set up the boot configuration for the server. HPACUCLI can be used in the configuration of HP Smart Array controllers and attached storage.