Do i need Battery-Backed Write Cache battery pack to expand the array in HP DL380

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

No, the extra 300GB will be free space, assigned to neither C nor D.

Thanks  and sorry for the delay in posting. Please find the attached snapshot of the Disk Management.
Disk-Management.bmp

Hi

Andyalder any sugessions much appreciated

Thanks

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.

Thanks

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.

Yes, they can still use it.

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.

Thanks