Matt wrote:
Hi all,
I got hold of an older Dell server with a PERC 4/DI raid controller,
including 2 SCSI disks. I found the docs over at Dell.
Am I right in understanding once I have my array in place through the
BIOS the OpenBSD OS has nothing to do with the RAID setup?
setup, no.
however, "bioctl ami0" will tell you how it is doing, and will permit
you to make certain configuration changes on the fly.
For example, if you get a third disk, you can install it, and mark it as
a "hot spare" using bioctl.
(just happen to be working with one of these right now. :)
Or should I leave the bios setup alone and work directly through OpenBSD
(if possible at all)..?
you can't establish the basic array via bioctl, but you can do a lot
of maintenance with it.
Not sure, I've only done software RAID setups before and am kind of
confused here, especially because a lot of older talk on misc@ about
these particular controllers.
To put it more simple; what is best / suggested practice with this thing
for mirroring?
Any pointers / docs are appreciated- Thanks!
GET TO KNOW THE THING BEFORE YOU GO INTO PRODUCTION WITH IT. Your task
is not complete when it is configured. You have to know how to detect a
failure, replace a failed drive, move drives to a new controller, etc.
Don't have a spare controller? How will you get your data off if the
controller fails? If you DO have a spare, how do you use it? If you
think it's easy or magic happens, you may end up in big trouble.
btw: at least in my case, the PE2800 with a 4/Di card has no beeper. If
the drive fails, you either need bioctl to tell you or notice the color
change on the display of the machine. "bioctl ami0" makes a really good
line in your daily.local file...
Nick.
