Problem with RAID controller on Dell PowerEdge 4600 [modified]

[T2102]

The RAID controller on my Dell PowerEdge 4600 server may be failing and the server is out of warranty. Does this mean we need to buy a new server? If so, can we still use the server as a workstation to run programs from an external hard drive or can I buy a new motherboard and move the CPUs and memory to it? What are my options? I hope that I would at least be able to move the operating system and memory onto a new server I buy, and possibly create a new desktop for someone using the Xenon processors. The server has dual socket Xenon CPU (8 cores total) and 10GB RAM.

modified on Monday, December 14, 2009 1:39 AM

[Garth J Lancaster]

Ted2102 wrote:

Does this mean we need to buy a new server?

not necessarily - that depends on wether the RAID controller is on the motherboard or not - if its not, then you may be able to order a replacement RAID controller board ... I'd first of all, before ALL else, make sure your data is backed up while the machine is still talking to you... I forget what its called, but Dell usually install a diagnostics package which includes the raid/disk manager - that may tell you what you need to know about the board BUT BACK YOUR DATA UP NOW, dude 'g'

[T2102]

Thanks, I have hourly backups scheduled. PERC 3/DI controller. I think the RAID 5 controller is on the mother board. The user guide says "An on-board ROMB is activated by using a 128-MB cache memory module, a RAID key, and RAID battery. An optional integrated dual-channel RAID controller card supports RAID levels 0, 1, 5, and 10."

modified on Monday, December 14, 2009 3:01 AM

[Jorgen Andersson]

3/DI is on the mother board. But what Garth said is still valid though. The built in controller can be disabled and you can install a new controllercard. I would get in touch with Dell and find out if they have any PERC 3/DE controllers available, then maybe you won't have to reinstall the server as it uses the same driver.

[Garth J Lancaster]

sorry - I was out at the physio and then to dinner, so I didnt get a chance to follow up - iirc, Perc 3/DI is 'Integrated/Internal', 3/DE is 'External' (To The Motherboard) So, the 3/DI Could be disabled (reboot the system, watch the prompts and it should tell you which keys to get into the controller), and a replacment put in - Dell used to use some other brand or make American Megatrends Cards avail on request - these were slightly better becuase they had a Recover Config option. As Jörgen Andersson points out, I think your best bet is still with Dell to start with - Dell have been pretty good to us in the past, (ok, the scale is different, we are a large corporate), but even if you get a replacement motherboard, it would be interesting to copy the raid config without their help (I cant remember how it works/where its stored) If you could lay your hands on another P/E 4600 with motherboard, memory, but no DASD/Disk, you might be able to set it up as per your current system, then move your DASD/Disks across to it At least you have backups, it really depends on what hardware you can lay your hands on - I dont think its a total loss yet. Last of all, I hate to be a p.i.t.a. - keep your maintenance up to date - it might be $$ xyz per year, but how much is this exercise going to cost you in lost productivity, or worse (hopefully not) lost data 'g'