Question : IBM System x3400 8K-I RAID Controller query

Hi All,

I've been asked to upgrade the disk capacity for an IBM System x3400 7976E2G Windows 2003 server.

Its disk subsystem comprises a ServeRAID SAS 8K-I RAID controller, a 4-drive SAS/SATA hard drive backplane card and 4 x 73.4GB SAS 15K RPM hard drives in RAID 5 configuration.

I understand I need to add a 4-drive backplane option kit in order to have all 8 drives connected but what I was wondering:-

a) will this system and RAID controller support a second RAID 5 set with 4 x 300GB SAS drives?
b) if not then is adding another 4 x 73.4GB drives to the existing RAID 5 the easiest way to add capacity?
c) have you upgraded the SAS RAID controller driver in Windows 2003 via RDP and did it install without issue?

Thanks,
Andy

Related Solutions: IBM Server x3400 SAS HDD Backplane installation

Answer : IBM System x3400 8K-I RAID Controller query

a) yes
b) n/a
c) no, I have personally not upgraded the driver.  Best practice before upgrading drivers

 - read release notes & take any required actions (including full backup just in case)
 - power cycle before attempting upgrade
 - Usually if there are driver updates there are firmware updates for controller, and IBM has frequent firmware updates for disk drives as well.  IBM's release notes are good at providing full disclosure of prerequisites.
 - Read release notes.
 - Read release notes.
 - kick off a media verify to make sure there are no bad blocks and XOR problems before rocking the boat.
 - release notes