RAID5 running out of space on PowerEdge 2400

[ovs8]

Hi there,

We're running out of space on our PowerEdge2400. We have 4x8GB SCSI HDs on RAID5 with Perc2/si controller. This is one of our DCs with W2000 server running on it.

I'd like to upgrade it to 4x36GB HD RAID5. What's the best way of doing it. I considered few options:
1. Clone software - Could you recommend one that supports RADI5 cloning?
2. This is our FSMO DC. Can I just transfer FSMO roles to other DCs (we have 2 more remote DCs), and re-install the entire OS? We only running Veritas Backup and Symantec AV on this server. (shares and printers would have to be restored as well).
3. Is there any other way to do this?

Thanks a lot,
oleg

 

[NickFerrar]

If you adamant about replacing all the drives I'd transfer the FSMO roles and rebuild it personally.

I'm curious though if it's just a DC/Backup/AV server what's using all the space?! Assuming the 2400 can support 6 disks on it's backplane I'd be tempted just to buy a couple of 36GB drives and RAID1 (mirror) them as a separate volume and reconfigure backup logs etc to go here. It's a lot less hassle.

 

[ovs8]

Well, it's actually our file and print server. I just didn't mention it since it can be easily restored from the backup. I was more concerned about the DC functions.

You're correct, there's 2 more vacatnt HD slots in this server's backplane. But, I'd like to stick with RAID5-Hotspare scheme. Though thanks for the idea, I'll think about it. I could do that, just moving one of our shares over the new drives.

thanks,
oleg

 

[RichieRich75]

In a perfect work I would suggest using a RAID 1 and RAID 5 solution. RAID 1 for 2 of the 6 drives and install the OS on the mirrored and use RAID 5 on the other 4 drives for DATA. If you are concerned about a drive failing and it being out of commission too long I would then say purchase a spare drive.

As far as the DC stuff is concerned I would just demote the server back to a computer (using DCPromo), redo the array, reinstall the OS, promote the server back to a DC then restoring data only. You did state you have more than 1 DC in the domain.

 

[jlajoie]

We have a 2400 that we are using as our print/file server, and need some more space. I was wondering if there is a way to mirror the current RAID configs (2x9GB RAID1 3x18GB RAID5) onto some larger drives? I would guess that adding a 73GB as a seperate volume to mirror the RAID5 might work, but I am really not sure....also, is anyone using drives purchased from someone other than Dell? Thier prices on SCSI drives are ridiculous...

 

[xmario2013]

I would try price watch.com, make sure you get the spec of the hard drive (ie. LVD, 10,000 RPM etc.) hard drive are big and cheap these days even SCSI has came down