Hi,
We have an ASUS RS120-E4/PA2 server which has an Intel ICH7 RAID controller onboard.
I know this is software RAID, but would like to use it with RAID. The controller itself has an array setup, but the ESXi installer does not see it as 1 device (RAID), but as 2 seperate disks.
Anyone any idea how I can make it so it sees it as a RAID set?
SATA RAID under ESX 4.0 is unlikely to work for you. Instead, break the RAID set and seperate the disks into two distinct disks -- you may have have to use ACHI for SATA setup in your System BIOS if you're not already doing so.
Datto
You will need a hardware raid controller. There are inexpensive real raid controllers on the HCL and you can check out vm-help.com fot variations. If this is a test or proof of concept installation then as Datto said just use the two disks. If not get real controller.
Which cheap RAID controller would you recommend?
I have some Adaptec 1210SA's, but I doubt they will work (I think they're software RAID too).
http://www.vmware.com/resources/compatibility
Andre
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That does not answer my question:
"Which cheap RAID controller would you recommend?
I have some Adaptec 1210SA's, but I doubt they will work (I think they're software RAID too)."
Cheap and recommend? None in a production environment
If I must say a name, I could say a supported CERC controller (if you are using Dell servers).
But I never will use SATA disks in production.
Andre
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The HCL list is a good start. The Dell PERC 8port SAS controllers are often found on ebay and the like for just over $100. You can look at vm-help.com for some guidance. And yes the adaptec 1210's are software raid controllers.
If this is a production environment then the SAS controllers are a verry good choice. They give you the opportunity to add both SAS and SATA drives.
Adaptec 2405 is around $220 and people have reported it to be working.
It's on hcl for esxi 3.5 u4, I think it will work with esxi4.0
also.
The 2405 has been tested with ESX 4.0 - http://www.vm-help.com//esx40i/esx40_whitebox_HCL.php.