Expanding a Raid Array

Yes, you can add HP disks into the chassis, and then expand the ARRAY, followed by Expanding the Logical DIsk.

The above is performed using the HP Array Configuration Utilities, in the ARRAY BIOS or on the HP Smart Start Utilities disk.

The above can be done WITHOUT destroying the existing array.

ARRAY and Logical Disk expansion can take several hours/days to complete.

ONCE this is complete then you need to expand the VMFS partition in ESXi.

So to summarise, with destroying the Array....it's in three parts.

1. Using ACU - Expand Array
2. Using ACU - Expand Logical DIsk
3. Using ESXi - Expand/Increase datastore VMFS

This is not a quick operation, and therefore, some decide to add new disks, create a new ARRAY, and SECOND LOGICAL disk, and second VMFS datastore.

This is then available instantly to ESXi (almost!) you could then move the ISO from datastore1 to datastore2, which would free up space on datastore1, or you could move the VM to datastore2.

It totally depends on your raid controller. You don't list the model of that; look in its documentaion for whether it supports dynamic resizing of arrays. Fancier (expensive) ones do, basic (cheaper) ones do not.

ok do I need to boot the the smart disk?  I looked in the bios and I don't see anything to expand the array

You will need to use the Array Configuration Utility, on the DVD rom.

What controller do you have ?

P400.  The DVD is the HP SMART START right?

Keep in mind that if you want to do this while the system is online you have a BBWC installed, without it you can't do this on the HP controllers.  Sounds like you're running VMware so you'll need to backup everything, just in case, shutdown VMs and reboot. Use the SmartStart CD to get into the array utility.  From there you can do this.  Expand the array, then expand the volume.  If it's ESXi you'll need to use VMFS grow to grow the Datastore in the end.

Whew!  I'll give it a shot. Thanks very much.  I'll let you know how I do after I backup and try it.

Yes, that's supported.

Just remember, whilst the RAID 5 is rebuilding across new disks you have, this is a very I/O intensive operation, and there stress related activity, and if disks will fail, they will fail at this time!!!!

and RAID rebuilds take time...

I got it installed on my VMserver but it's not seeing the controller? Anything I can do?

Nevermind I found when I booted to the disk. thanks.

I'm in the configuration however, its not letting me add drives to my existing array.  I can create a new array but not add to the existing

Not sure where to check for this... BBWC or FBWC  do I install this with the smart disk?

no.  It is a battery back cache module

Here's an example

http://www.ebay.com/itm/411064-B21-HP-Smart-Array-P400-512MB-BBWC-Controller-HP-PROLIANT-DL380-G5-/350800884969

OK one last question I have a 400 controller that 256 I only ssee BBWC is that ok to do this It doesn't seem like they have FBWC for this card.

It's either or, you need to have the one or other, not both.  As long as you have one of these you should be able to expand the array.  The link I provided shows you how to.

If you bought a performance model G7 it's included, if you did not specify a BBWC or other module at time of purchase, you have not got one!

It's a module you install on the motherboard

OK I have a G5 but I think I found the part for it.  I had no idea about this.  Thanks for the info.  We are going to  hopefully order the correct parts.

Read and Write Performance will also be better in your VMs! with a BBWC fitted!

Configured as 25% Read, 75% Write using ACU!

Thanks I found the parts on HP's site and we will be ordering.

Since you don't have the BBWC that explains why you couldn't expand the array.  Once you have it you'll be all set.

I'm awaiting on the parts and will get back to this once I recieve them

Make sure you have got adequate full backups not snapshots, and you've tested restore!

I've requested that this question be closed as follows:

Accepted answer: 0 points for WellingtonIS's comment #a40217709

for the following reason:

Thanks. I got the battery installed and it appears that I will be able to expand the array once I have additional disk.  My boss made me start over so I moved the vmserver and put it back after I reconfigured the array.

Many Experts, answered this question, Please select answers that were helpful!

I gave the points to Paul because he gave me the answer?  If that's not correct then I can split it up?

You accepted your own Answer I think, select Paul's Answer, and Close out.

OMG!  i'm so sorry!  I will correct.

Thanks for this.  I installed the battery and it appears that when I install the 2 drives I'm expecting it should work because I already have more options.  I don't want to keep this open until the drives arrive.

once i put the battery in I was able to expand the array