TechGuy_007
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Windows Server 2012 Standard R2 RAID issue
I am currently building a Dell PowerEdge R510 server with a PERC H710. It has 8 2TB drives all in 1 Virtual disk in a RAID 6 array. Whenever I try to install Windows Server 2012 Standard R2, I see two virtual disks (one of 2TB and another with about 10TB). Is there a way to allow Windows to see the full 12TB virtual disk?
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The R510 and H710 support VD's larger than 2TB.
- Windows cannot use a disk larger than 2TB unless it is first converted to GPT.
- Windows cannot BOOT to a GPT disk unless it is installed on a UEFI-enabled system.
- The R510 supports UEFI.
So, your options are:
1) Enable UEFI and install Windows, or
2) Leave BIOS as the boot mode, and create multiple VD's - one smaller than 2TB for the boot "disk". You can do this by grouping two 2TB disks in a RAID 1, or you can "slice" a VD across the disks and specify the size as smaller than 2TB, then create another "slice" with the remaining space. Each VD will be seen as a separate "disk" by the OS.
- Windows cannot use a disk larger than 2TB unless it is first converted to GPT.
- Windows cannot BOOT to a GPT disk unless it is installed on a UEFI-enabled system.
- The R510 supports UEFI.
So, your options are:
1) Enable UEFI and install Windows, or
2) Leave BIOS as the boot mode, and create multiple VD's - one smaller than 2TB for the boot "disk". You can do this by grouping two 2TB disks in a RAID 1, or you can "slice" a VD across the disks and specify the size as smaller than 2TB, then create another "slice" with the remaining space. Each VD will be seen as a separate "disk" by the OS.
the installation media has 2 boot sectors MBR and UEFI you must boot to the UEFI boot sector and then install onto a GPT disk.
ASKER
Thank you everyone for your comments! I had to use the Life Cycle Controller to get the PERC H710 drivers to load. When you opt to deploy OS installation it gives you the option to boot in UEFI
on some Dell PERC controller.
SATA specs supports up to 2 TB Virtual Disks.
This is a BIOS limitation. Did you try to upgrade your BIOS firmaware(s) ?