Adding a new drive to RAID5 array on HP DL580 G3 w/ ESXi 3.5

[Ubuntu111]

My DL580 G3 currently has 130GB of usable space with a RAID 5 configuration. 3 X 72GB drives. I am planning to add a fourth Ultra 320 SCSI 10K 72GB drive for additional local storage.

The DL580 has a Smart Array 6i Controller. When I boot the DL580 I do not see any RAID configuration options such as an Array Config Utility. This box came to me with the RAID5 array already configured.

Would I be able to add a new drive using a Smart Start CD that has ACU to expand the current RAID 5 array? If so which version of SmartStart? I did not see one for ESXi or ESX for that matter on HPs website. Is there another method that I need to use to expand the RAID5 array?

THANKS:)

[Jackobli · Accepted solution]

So you don't see the adapter configuration utility during POST/BIOS screens? Hitting F8 does not work either?

You should have received a Smart Start CD to boot with and usually, the Raid configuration is possible with that Smart Start.

If nothing else goes, you could build a UBCD4Win and integrate the HP Array tools. I did this for a Smart Array e200i, but only the cmdline-versions works ok. The GUI version has some limitations on displaying popups.

You have to save / move your guests as there is no online migration of the vmfs!

[Lightbulb]

You could try the offline ACU (A 80MB ISO which you could burn to CD or boot from ILO if you have ILO)

http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/SoftwareDescription.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&prodTypeId=15...

Or you could install the hpacucli package for redhat ES3 and run it from SC

http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/SoftwareDescription.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&prodTypeId=15...

[Lightbulb]

Sorry just noticed the ESXi dohh well option one is still worth a shot.

[Ubuntu111]

I do not see a adapter configuration utility when booting up. F8 enters goes into iLO config.

I guess I will have to use a SmartStart CD. I was unable to find the one that came with the server. I will download a copy from HP. Thanks.

[Ubuntu111]

I will try the offline ACU. Thanks.