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Storage and RAID

Module 3: Storage & RAID Configuration

Core Competency: Translating client storage requirements into logical drive configurations (RAID arrays).

1. The Rental "Standard" vs. Client Customization

Context: In rentals, we usually ship servers "blank" (No RAID), but 40% of orders require a pre-configured RAID set (e.g., "RAID 1 for OS, RAID 5 for Data").

  • Common RAID Levels Required:
    • RAID 0 (Striping): Maximum speed/capacity, zero redundancy. Used for temporary render nodes.
    • RAID 1 (Mirroring): 2 drives mirrored. The standard for OS boot drives.
    • RAID 5: Good balance of speed/redundancy (requires 3+ drives). Common for file servers.
    • RAID 10: High speed and redundancy (requires 4+ drives). Common for database rentals.

2. HP Configuration: Smart Storage Administrator (SSA)

Target Hardware: DL360 Gen10

  • Accessing the Controller:
    • Boot to Intelligent Provisioning (F10) > Smart Storage Administrator.
    • Select the controller (usually HPE Smart Array P408i).
  • Creating an Array:
    • Click "Configure" > "Create Array".
    • Select Drives: Verify the correct media type is selected (Do not mix SAS HDD and SATA SSD in the same array).
    • RAID Selection: Choose the level (e.g., RAID 1).
    • Strip Size: Leave as default (256 KiB) unless the client specifies database tuning.
  • Hot Spares:
    • Rental Rule: If a client rents 8+ drives, always configure one as a "Global Hot Spare" unless instructed otherwise.

3. Dell Configuration: PERC (PowerEdge RAID Controller)

Target Hardware: R640/R740

  • Accessing the Controller:
    • Boot to System Setup (F2) > Device Settings.
    • Select RAID Controller (e.g., PERC H730P or H740P) > Configuration Management.
  • Creating a Virtual Disk:
    • Select "Create Virtual Disk".
    • Select RAID Level: (e.g., RAID 5).
    • Select Physical Disks: Check the boxes for the drives to include.
    • Virtual Disk Name: Crucial Step—Name it clearly (e.g., "OS_Boot" or "Data_Vol") so the client knows which is which.
  • Initialization:
    • Fast Init: Writes zeroes to the first and last sectors. Good for quick deployment.
    • Full Init: Checks the entire disk for errors. Required if the drives have been sitting on the shelf for over 6 months.

4. Verification & Consistency Check

Context: Sending a server with a "Degraded" array is a critical failure.

  • Status Check:
    • Before powering down, verify the Logical Drive status is green/healthy.
    • HP: Look for the "OK" icon in SSA.
    • Dell: Look for "Online" status in the Virtual Disk Management.
  • Background Initialization (BGI):
    • Note: Large RAID 5/6 arrays take time to initialize. If the server is shipped while it is still "Building," performance will be slow for the client. Check if BGI is complete before signing off.

Process Verification Checklist

Skill / Task Verified Date
Explain diff between RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 ☐
Create RAID 1 (Mirror) on HP DL360 ☐
Create RAID 5 + Hot Spare on Dell R640 ☐
Naming Virtual Disks (Dell Context) ☐
Verifying Array "Healthy" Status ☐