swapping array

[terry712]

thought i better ask rather than fumbling -

have a dl380 g2 - it doesnt have the extend cache for the 5i controller - it was fine with netware but i had to sacrifice this to install 2000 on it

it's pretty sluggish

i do have spare 5300 array controllers with nice big caches on them - i thought about just slapping this in

now obviously my ms knowledge sucks - so what is best way to do this - i'm assuming that if i just disconnect the 5i and slap the 5300 in - w2k will go slightly blue or ?

i can rebuilt the server if necessary so it's no critical to me

just want to spend as little time with it as poss

 

[anawrocki]

The thing to do, assuming you have the hardware available, is to use the existing controller for the OS and use the new 5300 for data, either on an external drive cage or by duplexing the internal drive cage if the G2 supports this option. (I know the G3 does).

If all of your firmware is up to date I am sure that the 5300 Raid Controler will recognize a RAID set from the older controller, however I would be suprised if it would boot.

 

[TheLad]

You'd probably have issues with the drivers within the OS which is why it wouldn't boot (probably would get a bluey) as the OS would be looking to load the 5i not the 5300

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"It's true, its damn true!"
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[jfrantz]

1. Be sure the 5i and 5300 both have recent firmware versions.
2. Install the 5300 controller into the machine with the 5i but leave the SCSI cable connected to the 5i.
3. Install the 5300 driver for Win2K.
4. Move the SCSI cable from the 5i to the 5300.
5. Change the 5300 to be the first boot controller.
6. Boot Windows and enjoy huge performance increase!

-Jeff

 

[ntinlin]

You won't be able to use the Scsi cable from the 5i but the server should have come with the correct round Scsi cable to connect to another controller.

Just one tip. Be VERY careful of the cable routing from the 5300. Compaq in their wisdom did not leave any channel from the card cage to the connector board so you basically have to take the cable underneath it which is awkward. Try not to crush it since that doesn't help the signal. It will work but might be slowed down.

Neill

 

[terry712]

cheers will give it a go on monday

i know what you mean about the cable routing - some bits are tight