Dell Poweredge 2850 Raid Controller Driver
I have a poweredge 2850 with 6 drives and a RAID controller. I want to set up 3 pairs of RAID1 arrays to use a 1-webserver, 2 fileserver and 3backup.
Is this even possible and how do I configure it?
I see 3 drives when I check the files systems in Ubuntu but I don’t know where to go from here. I had to add the gnome GUI to check things out because the command line was too difficult. Once I am configured I will disable the GUI.
OK, I have a Dell PowerEdge 2900. I have just put a fresh install of MS Windows 2008 ENT. I cannot seem to find a driver for the PERC 4/dc SCSI controller I have installed. I have been told the 2003 x64 driver would work so I attempted to install that driver but was unsuccessful.
Steve BaconSteve Bacon
2 Answers
I want to set up 3 pairs of RAID1 arrays to use as
1-webserver, 2 fileserver and 3backup.
Is this even possible and how do I configure it?
This is possible, and if you want to keep things really separated (e.g. no files uploaded to the array with webserver data) it will work. But:
- RAID is not backup. Repeat this mantra a few times.
If lightning strikes, a PSU dies and takes out the system, if a thief lugs the server home, if …. then you loose primary data and backup. Good advice is not to store the backup on the manin system as primary data. - Three arrays are really not needed. One if enough. Just put the contents in different folders and assign quota’s if needed.
- Three mirrors is rather wasteful. I would consider RAID10 (with 4 drives).
I see 3 drives when I check the files systems in Ubuntu
That seems normal. You have three arrays (each considting of two drives, which the RAID controller hides from you).
I had to add the gnome GUI to check things out because the command line was too difficult. Once I am configured I will disable the GUI.
Meh. For a home system and testing a GUI is not all that bad. It is more software, more to keep up to date, more which can fail. And if you rolled out a 100 servers then I would suggest to learn the CLI. But for a single learning home system. Use the GUI and learn how things work.
HennesHennes
Installing GUI on a server is an epic fail. It’s like having compile tools on it.
In my opinion raid1 is like shooting yourself in groins with 6 drives. I’d simply go with Raid6. (Anything just no Raid1).
For the question:
You need to grab an install disc like minimal/netinst.
When it boots and blinks, type: expert
After that, you get a REALLY expert setup, expert options. Set up your raid through the install. That’s all.
(Yes, there is no easy way around. At least I don’t know any. Maybe Windows provides some easier way.. but you have to pay the price for that.)
ShikiShiki
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I am trying to install Windows Server 2012 onto a Dell Poweredge 2850. I have configured the RAID array and there is a logical disk showing in the PERC 4/DC raid controller interface.
Once I get to the disk selection part of the Windows set up process I am told there are no available disks. This appears to be because I need to load some drivers. I am unable to find them, however.
I can only find Server 2008 R2 drivers, which to be honest is expected but I was wondering if anyone knew if it was even possible or if anyone had attempted this previously?
I’m not particularly au fait with drivers etc so any help or pointing in the right direction would be much appreciated.
James ArnoldJames Arnold
2 Answers
In attempting to resurrect a Win 7 system on a Dell system, I found the same thing happened to me.
Apparently the PERC drivers are not installed on the standard Windows releases and need to be obtained from the Dell website.
After contacting Dell support and being provided the driver. I installed the PERC driver I needed at the start of the installation process and things proceeded normally.
Thus, see the Dell website and get the appropriate drivers for your PERC card is the answer. If you don’t see it contact Dell directly to get their driver for the 2850.
mdpcmdpc
The driver entitled perc-w2k3-6.46.3.64-A01.exe found here allows you to install Windows Server 2012 directly onto a configured RAID array on a PE 2850. Tested with a PERC 4/DC but there are many drivers for other controllers included in the download.
Raid Controller Driver Windows 7
Ben SwinburneBen Swinburne
