Changing Motherboard keeping the array

[paristotle]

I've been asked to change the motherboard on dying (not fully dead) HP proliant server. The RAID controller is a Smart Array E200. Not sure if it is the 200 or 200i which is important because only the 200i has a battery. So the questions is....
If the battery is not present will the array retain it's configuration on the new motherboard?

 

[Markverhyden]

I've been asked to change the motherboard on dying (not fully dead) HP proliant server. The RAID controller is a Smart Array E200. Not sure if it is the 200 or 200i which is important because only the 200i has a battery. So the questions is....
If the battery is not present will the array retain it's configuration on the new motherboard?

If I remember correctly the purpose of the battery is to maintain the data in the cache, which has not been yet written to the HD's, in the event of a sudden power loss to the machine. Has nothing to do, so to speak, with the array settings. So if the machine is properly shutdown you should not have any issues as long as you have the correct motherboard.

 

[paristotle]

Thanks Mark. That's what I was thinking too and then I saw this:

1. Back up all data before removing any drives or changing configuration. This step is required if you are moving data-containing drives from a controller that does not have a battery-backed cache.

It's something that I expected to see as precaution, (something that I'm doing) but I just wanted to make sure this was the case

 

[Markverhyden]

Thanks Mark. That's what I was thinking too and then I saw this:



It's something that I expected to see as precaution, (something that I'm doing) but I just wanted to make sure this was the case

I interpret that as work having to do with the drives themselves. But as we all know having a complete and functioning back up is an absolute requirement prior to doing any hardware work on a server.

 

[paristotle]

I am making sure they have a data backup that is sound before I proceed, but I will also image the server in case something unforeseen happens. I wasn't clear on what you meant when you said.

work having to do with the drives themselves.

 

[Markverhyden]

I am making sure they have a data backup that is sound before I proceed, but I will also image the server in case something unforeseen happens. I wasn't clear on what you meant when you said.

Working on drives arrays can be difficult for the uninitiated. You have to make sure and keep the drive order placement documented. Also need to know what is involved in a drive swap in terms of rebuilding, etc.

So I saw the quote you had made earlier in that light. Changing a drive or changing the RAID configuration.

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

HPs Smart Array RAID controllers are the best out there. One of the many great features they have, is the ability to migrate/import HDDs from another HP Smart Array controller and server it was in. They put a configuration file on each HDD, I think it was called a RIS file (Raid Instruction Set). As long as the RAID controller you move those HDDs to is of equal model, or higher and/or newer, the new RAID controller will detect the RIS files on those drives and offer the option to import them in their configuration.

Naturally...yes it's wise to backup that config, best way is to create an image that you can restore on new bare metal or hypervisor.