On Jan 15, 2008 8:17 PM, Nick Holland <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > 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. > >
I've never used such hardware, but isn't sensorsd a good tool to monitor the drives attached? ami(4) tells me that disk status is exposed under hw.sensors. -- Pierre Riteau
