Adding more disks to RAID 5 config (HP Smart Array P400)

R.O.S.S.I · 9 Jul 2012 at 08:47

Hi all, currently got a server at work that is fitted with a Smart Array P400 card. We have our Veeam backup backing up to that server but looks like disk space might be running low so wanting to add some more drives to the RAID array if possible.

The current config is as follows, the first array set up has 2 x 72GB drives in RAID 1 which is the boot/OS drive.

Then there are 4 more 146GB disks in RAID 5 forming the data drive for the server where the backups are stored. There looks to be 2 more physical slots on the front of the server to fit some more disks, is it just as simple as fitting some more in to the server - the HP Raid software picking them up, and adding them to the array? Or can you not add more disks to the array and expand the size once its been setup?

Thanks,

R.O.S.S.I · 10 Jul 2012 at 09:20

Anyone?

FirebarUK · 10 Jul 2012 at 09:32

Yes, add the drives and use the HP Array Configuration Utility to expand the array

PistolPete · 10 Jul 2012 at 15:16

Don't forget to backup first, and it'll take HOURS to finish so might be an idea to schedule it when it's quieter (over a weekend for example - assuming you not a 24/7 operation.)

LizardKing · 10 Jul 2012 at 15:42

PistolPete said:
Don't forget to backup first, and it'll take HOURS to finish so might be an idea to schedule it when it's quieter (over a weekend for example - assuming you not a 24/7 operation.)

This! or if the HP software is like the MSI (Dell) client you can limit the processing power it uses to minimise the performance loss to the end user.

Being only 300-400gb it may well be quicker to copy the data off, rebuild the array and copy it back!

PistolPete · 10 Jul 2012 at 16:47

LizardKing said:
Being only 300-400gb it may well be quicker to copy the data off, rebuild the array and copy it back!

And less risky. Having said that, I've expanded about 2 dozen arrays in my time, mostly HP, a couple of Dells and an IBM and it's gone fine but there is always a first time!!

trancesphere · 10 Jul 2012 at 17:16

Make sure you have a functional battery backup installed (the smart array tool will not allow you to transform the raid array without it).

Transform the array, expand the logical drive then expand the partition in computer management.