The instructions below can also be used with the Dell Poweredge 1900, Dell poweredge 2900, and the Dell poweredge 1950, providing the PERC5i controller is used.
• When server is booting hit “Control R” when you see “Poweredge expandable Raid Controller Bios” to enter the RAID configuration utility.
• Under “VD Management tab” Hit “F2” to create a new “virtual drive”
• Hit “Enter” to choose the “RAID level” option
• Arrow down to choose the “RAID level” and hit “Enter” to accept
• Arrow down to “drives section” and hit “spacebar” to select the drives to be used. Hit “tab” after selecting the hard drives.
• The menu will then show the total size of the virtual drive. If this is correct then hit “tab” until you get to “VD Name” and name the virtual drive.
• Tab to advanced settings and set those if you choose or leave at defaults
• Tab to “OK” hit “enter to complete your new virtual drive.
**Best practices is to make sure all the hard drives are the same size and have the same Dell Part number
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Friday, December 3, 2010
Dell Poweredge 1800 Power supplies- The Holy Grail of Power Supplies
Have a Dell Poweredge 1800 Server with a dying or dead power supply? First of all, let me send my condolences, and know that there is a solution or two.
The Poweredge 1800 server came with 2 versions of power supplies; redundant and non redundant. These “mini towers” were a great small business solution for financial and space purposes. As with most things, there is a time to be born, a time to die, a time to work and a time to panic.
It seems like the last 6 months of 2010 have seen a large number of Dell Poweredge 1800 power supplies fail. The first part of the year, it seems the Non Redundant Power supplies were hard to find and the redundant pretty common. Now they are both very hard to find, but it seems like the non redundant power supplies are a little easier to locate then the redundant.
So, is a new server not in your budget and your Dell Poweredge 1800 is down? There are options. You can convert each system. Example, if you have a PE1800 Server that has redundant power supplies, but you can’t find any replacement redundant power supplies, but can find non redundant power supplies you can remove the power distribution board and ribbon cables and install a non redundant power supply. Best practices always preaches that: redundancy is best, redundancy is best, redundancy is best, but in cases of late with this model of server, non redundancy may be your only option to limp you along until budgets loosen up or you’re so frustrated you take a sledge hammer and beat the PE1800.
It is also possible to convert the Non redundant power supply unit to a redundant unit. You just add a power distribution board and ribbon cables hook it up and you’re good to do.
Both types of power supplies are hard to come by, but if you find yourself down and needing one, I hope this helps.
The Poweredge 1800 server came with 2 versions of power supplies; redundant and non redundant. These “mini towers” were a great small business solution for financial and space purposes. As with most things, there is a time to be born, a time to die, a time to work and a time to panic.
It seems like the last 6 months of 2010 have seen a large number of Dell Poweredge 1800 power supplies fail. The first part of the year, it seems the Non Redundant Power supplies were hard to find and the redundant pretty common. Now they are both very hard to find, but it seems like the non redundant power supplies are a little easier to locate then the redundant.
So, is a new server not in your budget and your Dell Poweredge 1800 is down? There are options. You can convert each system. Example, if you have a PE1800 Server that has redundant power supplies, but you can’t find any replacement redundant power supplies, but can find non redundant power supplies you can remove the power distribution board and ribbon cables and install a non redundant power supply. Best practices always preaches that: redundancy is best, redundancy is best, redundancy is best, but in cases of late with this model of server, non redundancy may be your only option to limp you along until budgets loosen up or you’re so frustrated you take a sledge hammer and beat the PE1800.
It is also possible to convert the Non redundant power supply unit to a redundant unit. You just add a power distribution board and ribbon cables hook it up and you’re good to do.
Both types of power supplies are hard to come by, but if you find yourself down and needing one, I hope this helps.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Dell Poweredge Server Lineage
With the 10th Generation of the Dell Poweredge Servers out, the topic has come up about the Dell Poweredge Server family tree. There is really limited information even from Dell on the history of the Poweredge Server. I was hoping there would be a handy dandy document of evolution of servers complete with model number, years in production and all specs. Sadly, nothing comes that easy! I was able to find a list of model numbers from some helpful gentleman on Wikipedia so that was a start. Here is a list (not perfect but close) of all the Dell Poweredge Servers and the year of production.
As the years progressed, so did form factors. Towers are what started it all. Typically those older servers came in the 7U form factor and weighed about as much as a new Hummer.
Around the late 90s as more models came out they were all towers, but smaller sized towers. For example the Dell Poweredge 1300 would be say a mini tower by today’s standards and the Dell Poweredge 6350 would be a beastly 7U tower or the Hummer!
Right around the year 2001, servers became lighter in weight and the Dell Poweredge 1550 was welcomed with open arms to all techs that were suffering from sore backs.
In 2009, Dell exploded with many models of towers and rack mount servers along with a series of servers that featured the AMD Operton processors.
The “C Series” of Dell Poweredge Servers are starting to come out as of 2010.
If anyone has any other information, feel free to add or comment with correct information. I hope this is helpful to those that need it or to those that are just curious.
Dell Poweredge Model Number Year Produced (Approx)
Poweredge SP5100 1994
Poweredge SP5133 1995
Poweredge SP5133-2 1995
Poweredge 2100 1996
Poweredge 4100 1996
Poweredge 4200 1997
Poweredge 2200 1997
Poweredge 6100 1997
Poweredge 4300 1998
Poweredge 4350 1998
Poweredge 2300 1998
Poweredge 1300 1998
Poweredge 6300 1998
Poweredge 6350 1999
Poweredge 8450 1999
Poweredge 2400 1999
Poweredge 2450 2000
Poweredge 4400 2000
Poweredge 7150 2001
Poweredge 1550 2001
Poweredge 2550 2001
Poweredge 2450 2001
Poweredge 6400 2001
Poweredge 6450 2001
Poweredge 2500 2001
Poweredge 2550 2001
Poweredge 2500SC 2001
Poweredge 350 2001
Poweredge 500SC 2001
Poweredge 4600 2002
Poweredge 2650 2002
Poweredge 2600 2002
Poweredge 1400SC 2002
Poweredge 6650 2002
Poweredge 6600 2002
Poweredge 6650 2002
Poweredge 1750 2003
Poweredge 1655MC 2003
Poweredge 1650 2003
Poweredge 1600SC 2003
Poweredge 750 2004
Poweredge 700 2004
Poweredge 800 2005
Poweredge 2850 2005
Poweredge 830 2005
Poweredge 1800 2005
Poweredge 1850 2005
Poweredge 1855 2005
Poweredge 2800 2005
Poweredge 6800 2005
Poweredge 6850 2005
Poweredge 850 2005
Poewredge SC430 2005
Poweredge SC1420 2005
Poweredge SC1425 2005
Poweredge 860 2006
Poweredge SC440 2006
Poweredge SC1430 2006
Poweredge SC1435 2006
Poweredge 840 2007
Poweredge 1900 2007
Poweredge 1950 2007
Poweredge 2900 2007
Poweredge 1955 2007
Poweredge 2970 2007
Poweredge 6950 2007
Poweredge 2950 III 2008
Poweredge 1950 III 2008
Poweredge 2900III 2008
Poweredge T100 2009
Poweredge T105 2009
Poweredge T110 2009
Poweredge T300 2009
Poweredge T310 2009
Poweredge T410 2009
Poweredge T605 2009
Poweredge T610 2009
Poweredge T710 2009
Poweredge R200 2009
Poweredge R210 2009
Poweredge R300 2009
Poweredge R310 2009
Poweredge R410 2009
Poweredge R510 2009
Poweredge R610 2009
Poweredge R710 2009
Poweredge R805 2009
Poweredge R900 2009
Poweredge R905 2009
Poweredge R910 2009
Anne Tarantino (VelocityAnne)
Velocity Tech Solutions
www.velocitytechsolutions.com
As the years progressed, so did form factors. Towers are what started it all. Typically those older servers came in the 7U form factor and weighed about as much as a new Hummer.
Around the late 90s as more models came out they were all towers, but smaller sized towers. For example the Dell Poweredge 1300 would be say a mini tower by today’s standards and the Dell Poweredge 6350 would be a beastly 7U tower or the Hummer!
Right around the year 2001, servers became lighter in weight and the Dell Poweredge 1550 was welcomed with open arms to all techs that were suffering from sore backs.
In 2009, Dell exploded with many models of towers and rack mount servers along with a series of servers that featured the AMD Operton processors.
The “C Series” of Dell Poweredge Servers are starting to come out as of 2010.
If anyone has any other information, feel free to add or comment with correct information. I hope this is helpful to those that need it or to those that are just curious.
Dell Poweredge Model Number Year Produced (Approx)
Poweredge SP5100 1994
Poweredge SP5133 1995
Poweredge SP5133-2 1995
Poweredge 2100 1996
Poweredge 4100 1996
Poweredge 4200 1997
Poweredge 2200 1997
Poweredge 6100 1997
Poweredge 4300 1998
Poweredge 4350 1998
Poweredge 2300 1998
Poweredge 1300 1998
Poweredge 6300 1998
Poweredge 6350 1999
Poweredge 8450 1999
Poweredge 2400 1999
Poweredge 2450 2000
Poweredge 4400 2000
Poweredge 7150 2001
Poweredge 1550 2001
Poweredge 2550 2001
Poweredge 2450 2001
Poweredge 6400 2001
Poweredge 6450 2001
Poweredge 2500 2001
Poweredge 2550 2001
Poweredge 2500SC 2001
Poweredge 350 2001
Poweredge 500SC 2001
Poweredge 4600 2002
Poweredge 2650 2002
Poweredge 2600 2002
Poweredge 1400SC 2002
Poweredge 6650 2002
Poweredge 6600 2002
Poweredge 6650 2002
Poweredge 1750 2003
Poweredge 1655MC 2003
Poweredge 1650 2003
Poweredge 1600SC 2003
Poweredge 750 2004
Poweredge 700 2004
Poweredge 800 2005
Poweredge 2850 2005
Poweredge 830 2005
Poweredge 1800 2005
Poweredge 1850 2005
Poweredge 1855 2005
Poweredge 2800 2005
Poweredge 6800 2005
Poweredge 6850 2005
Poweredge 850 2005
Poewredge SC430 2005
Poweredge SC1420 2005
Poweredge SC1425 2005
Poweredge 860 2006
Poweredge SC440 2006
Poweredge SC1430 2006
Poweredge SC1435 2006
Poweredge 840 2007
Poweredge 1900 2007
Poweredge 1950 2007
Poweredge 2900 2007
Poweredge 1955 2007
Poweredge 2970 2007
Poweredge 6950 2007
Poweredge 2950 III 2008
Poweredge 1950 III 2008
Poweredge 2900III 2008
Poweredge T100 2009
Poweredge T105 2009
Poweredge T110 2009
Poweredge T300 2009
Poweredge T310 2009
Poweredge T410 2009
Poweredge T605 2009
Poweredge T610 2009
Poweredge T710 2009
Poweredge R200 2009
Poweredge R210 2009
Poweredge R300 2009
Poweredge R310 2009
Poweredge R410 2009
Poweredge R510 2009
Poweredge R610 2009
Poweredge R710 2009
Poweredge R805 2009
Poweredge R900 2009
Poweredge R905 2009
Poweredge R910 2009
Anne Tarantino (VelocityAnne)
Velocity Tech Solutions
www.velocitytechsolutions.com
Friday, November 5, 2010
Dell PERC Raid Controllers: What are they and what are the differences between each?
By Kay Winchell, CIO, Velocity Tech Solutions, www.velocitytechsolutions.com
“PERC” is a term used to describe the Dell PowerEdge Raid Controller family. PERC controllers are the interface between the operation system read/write instructions on the hard drives. These cards (for attaching storage to a server) or kits (for raid arrays internal to the server) have series levels from Perc2 to Perc6 and have been followed by the new H series. The various controllers have features that are mostly differentiated by type of connector, (PCI, PCI-E, SAS) raid levels supported, (Raid, 0,1,5,6,ect), the maximum level of hard drives supported, and whether they are internal kits or external cards.
The chart below describes first the internal (Integrated) Raid kits and secondly the external Raid Cards, the machines they are compatible with and the most common features known to us. Dell does have multiple part numbers for items that perform the same function, so we have not included the actual SKUs for the items. I have started with Perc 3 because the older Perc 2 cards are fairly rare now. Also, I have excluded some of the more uncommon raid controllers or controllers that are made for just one machine. The list below is not complete, please feel free to add or correct as necessary. Contact me if you have questions about what raid controller goes into your PowerEdge server.
The internal kits are usually composed of the Raid Key, the Raid Battery and the Raid (Cache) Memory dimm in the older servers. The key is typically installed on the mainboard of the server, while the battery and memory are usually found on the riser card. The newer servers usually just have an internal card that has the cache memory and a battery mounted on it.
The external card plugs into an expansion slot in the back of the machine and cables to a storage unit such as the Powervault or newer MD Series Enclosures or in some cases to a tape back up unit.
Internal Raid Controllers
Cache Memory Interface Max Drive
Controller Channel Machine Size Support Bus Raid Levels Support
Perc 3/si Single 2450 64mb SCSI U160 PCI Raid 0,1,5,10
Perc 3/di Dual 2550, 2650, 4600
128mb SCSI U160 PCI Raid 0,1,5,10
Perc 4/di Dual 2600
128mb SCSI PCI Raid 0,1,5,10,50 15
Perc 4e/si Single 1850
256mb SCSI PCI Raid 0,1,5,10,50 15
Perc 4e/di Dual 2800, 2850, 6800, 6850
256mb SCSI PCI Raid 0,1,5,10,50 15
Perc 5/i N/A 1900, 1950, 2900, 2950
256mb SAS/SATA PCI-E Raid 0,1,5,10,50 32
Perc 6/i N/A 1900, 1950, 2900, 2950
256mb SAS/SATA PCI-E Raid 0,1,5,6,10,50, 60 16
H700 to attach MD Storage 512mb & 1Gb Mini SAS PCI-E Raid 0,1,5,6,10,50, 60 16
External Raid Controllers
Interface Max Drive
Controller Channel Machine Cache Memory Support Bus Raid Levels Support
Perc 4/SC Single 1800, 1850, 2600, 2650, 4600, 1600SC,
64mb SCSI PCI Raid 0,1,5,10,50 40
600SC, 650, 700, 750, 800, 830, 850
Perc 4/DC Dual 1800, 1850, 2800, 2850
128mb SCSI PCI Raid 0,1,5,10,50 40
Perc 4e/DC
Dual 2800, 2850, 850
128mb SCSI PCI-E Raid 0,1,5,10,50 40
Perc 5E 1900, 1950, 2900, 2950, 2970, 6950
256mb SAS/SATA PCI-E Raid 0,1,5,10,50
R300, R805, R900, R905, T300
Perc 6E 1900, 1950, 2900, 2950, 2970, 6950 256 and 512 SAS/SATA PCI-E Raid 0,1,5,6,10,50, 60 144
R300, R805, R900, R905, T300
H800 to attach MD Storage 512mb & 1GB Mini SAS PCI-E Raid 0,1,5,6,10,50, 60 192
“PERC” is a term used to describe the Dell PowerEdge Raid Controller family. PERC controllers are the interface between the operation system read/write instructions on the hard drives. These cards (for attaching storage to a server) or kits (for raid arrays internal to the server) have series levels from Perc2 to Perc6 and have been followed by the new H series. The various controllers have features that are mostly differentiated by type of connector, (PCI, PCI-E, SAS) raid levels supported, (Raid, 0,1,5,6,ect), the maximum level of hard drives supported, and whether they are internal kits or external cards.
The chart below describes first the internal (Integrated) Raid kits and secondly the external Raid Cards, the machines they are compatible with and the most common features known to us. Dell does have multiple part numbers for items that perform the same function, so we have not included the actual SKUs for the items. I have started with Perc 3 because the older Perc 2 cards are fairly rare now. Also, I have excluded some of the more uncommon raid controllers or controllers that are made for just one machine. The list below is not complete, please feel free to add or correct as necessary. Contact me if you have questions about what raid controller goes into your PowerEdge server.
The internal kits are usually composed of the Raid Key, the Raid Battery and the Raid (Cache) Memory dimm in the older servers. The key is typically installed on the mainboard of the server, while the battery and memory are usually found on the riser card. The newer servers usually just have an internal card that has the cache memory and a battery mounted on it.
The external card plugs into an expansion slot in the back of the machine and cables to a storage unit such as the Powervault or newer MD Series Enclosures or in some cases to a tape back up unit.
Internal Raid Controllers
Cache Memory Interface Max Drive
Controller Channel Machine Size Support Bus Raid Levels Support
Perc 3/si Single 2450 64mb SCSI U160 PCI Raid 0,1,5,10
Perc 3/di Dual 2550, 2650, 4600
128mb SCSI U160 PCI Raid 0,1,5,10
Perc 4/di Dual 2600
128mb SCSI PCI Raid 0,1,5,10,50 15
Perc 4e/si Single 1850
256mb SCSI PCI Raid 0,1,5,10,50 15
Perc 4e/di Dual 2800, 2850, 6800, 6850
256mb SCSI PCI Raid 0,1,5,10,50 15
Perc 5/i N/A 1900, 1950, 2900, 2950
256mb SAS/SATA PCI-E Raid 0,1,5,10,50 32
Perc 6/i N/A 1900, 1950, 2900, 2950
256mb SAS/SATA PCI-E Raid 0,1,5,6,10,50, 60 16
H700 to attach MD Storage 512mb & 1Gb Mini SAS PCI-E Raid 0,1,5,6,10,50, 60 16
External Raid Controllers
Interface Max Drive
Controller Channel Machine Cache Memory Support Bus Raid Levels Support
Perc 4/SC Single 1800, 1850, 2600, 2650, 4600, 1600SC,
64mb SCSI PCI Raid 0,1,5,10,50 40
600SC, 650, 700, 750, 800, 830, 850
Perc 4/DC Dual 1800, 1850, 2800, 2850
128mb SCSI PCI Raid 0,1,5,10,50 40
Perc 4e/DC
Dual 2800, 2850, 850
128mb SCSI PCI-E Raid 0,1,5,10,50 40
Perc 5E 1900, 1950, 2900, 2950, 2970, 6950
256mb SAS/SATA PCI-E Raid 0,1,5,10,50
R300, R805, R900, R905, T300
Perc 6E 1900, 1950, 2900, 2950, 2970, 6950 256 and 512 SAS/SATA PCI-E Raid 0,1,5,6,10,50, 60 144
R300, R805, R900, R905, T300
H800 to attach MD Storage 512mb & 1GB Mini SAS PCI-E Raid 0,1,5,6,10,50, 60 192
Monday, November 1, 2010
“I just got my server and it doesn’t work”
One of the most common questions we get here at Velocity Tech Solutions “I just got my server and it doesn’t work” or “my server just stopped working what do I do?” After that question there are typically a series of questions (with a little panic in the voice) “will I lose my raid”? “Is it the motherboard?” “I’m totally down, what am I going to do?”
There may be no need to panic it could be something simple.
Often times in shipping the server will take a bit of a beating. Many of them weigh 50 to 100lbs and the delivery drivers seem to loathe those poor packages more than the 3 oz boxes that can fit in their hands. There is also the reality that the delivery trucks don’t ride as smooth has a Cadillac. As a result of the server taking a rough ride both in the vehicle and via the loading process, the vibration of the rough ride can result in the memory, the processor, the riser or the controller card coming lose. Reseat each part in the server. Make sure each part is clipped in and secure.
The same can be true of a server that has been running constantly for a very long time. Servers pack a lot of power and over time the vibration can jolt some of the parts loose.
This may not be the only answer, but this is a starting point.
You can always call me, VelocityAnne at 888-784-2088 with any questions, anytime!
There may be no need to panic it could be something simple.
Often times in shipping the server will take a bit of a beating. Many of them weigh 50 to 100lbs and the delivery drivers seem to loathe those poor packages more than the 3 oz boxes that can fit in their hands. There is also the reality that the delivery trucks don’t ride as smooth has a Cadillac. As a result of the server taking a rough ride both in the vehicle and via the loading process, the vibration of the rough ride can result in the memory, the processor, the riser or the controller card coming lose. Reseat each part in the server. Make sure each part is clipped in and secure.
The same can be true of a server that has been running constantly for a very long time. Servers pack a lot of power and over time the vibration can jolt some of the parts loose.
This may not be the only answer, but this is a starting point.
You can always call me, VelocityAnne at 888-784-2088 with any questions, anytime!
Friday, October 8, 2010
Different Generations of Dell Poweredge 1950 Server
The Dell Poweredge 1950, although one generation removed from the Dell line of Poweredge Servers, is still in high demand on the used market.
The 3 Generations of Poweredge 1950 series allows you to perform a myriad of duties in any modern data center. From application servers, to populating databases, from file servers to print servers, from mail services to collaboration services, the modern server is indeed to backbone of any modern business, be it large or small.
Below are the basics of each of the PE1950 server complete with generation. This can assist if your software calls for specific requirements. Again this doesn’t drill down to every bit of difference between the generations, but a guideline.
Dell PE1950 1U Gen I
Processors: Up to 2, Intel Dual Core processors; Max processor speed is 3.73, max cache is 4m, max front side bus is 1333Mhz.
Memory: Up to 32gb 667Mhz
I/O Slots: three expansion slots; 2 x 64-bit PCI-X; 1 x PCI Express x8.
Drive Controllers: Embedded PERC integrated PCI SAS controller.
Raid Controllers: Embedded PERC 5/i, PERC4e/Di (single channel RAID with 256MB of battery-backup cache)
Drive Bays: 4, 2.5” or 2, 3.5” SAS or SATA Hard drives
Power supplies: 750W hot-plug/redundant.
Dell PE1950 1U Gen II
Processors: Up to 2, Intel Dual Core processors; Max processor speed is 3.0, max cache is 8m, max front side bus is 1333Mhz.
Memory: Up to 32gb 667Mhz
I/O Slots: three expansion slots; 2 x 64-bit PCI-X; 1 x PCI Express x8.
Drive Controllers: Embedded PERC integrated PCI SAS controller.
Raid Controllers: Embedded PERC 5/i, PERC4e/Di (single channel RAID with 256MB of battery-backup cache)
Drive Bays: 4, 2.5” or 2, 3.5” SAS or SATA Hard drives
Power supplies: 750W hot-plug/redundant.
Dell PE1950 1U Gen III
Processors: Up to 2, Intel Dual Core processors; Max processor speed is 3.0, max cache is 12m, max front side bus is 1333Mhz.
Memory: Up to 64gb 667Mhz
I/O Slots: three expansion slots; 2 x 64-bit PCI-X; 1 x PCI Express x8.
Drive Controllers: Embedded PERC integrated PCI SAS controller.
Raid Controllers: Embedded PERC 5/i, PERC4e/Di (single channel RAID with 256MB of battery-backup cache)
Drive Bays: 4, 2.5” or 2, 3.5” SAS or SATA Hard drives
Power supplies: 750W hot-plug/redundant.
About velocityanne
Charming and personable sales GURU for Velocity Tech Solutions. We are the BEST source for Dell Poweredge and HP Proliant servers and server parts.
View all posts by velocityanne →
The 3 Generations of Poweredge 1950 series allows you to perform a myriad of duties in any modern data center. From application servers, to populating databases, from file servers to print servers, from mail services to collaboration services, the modern server is indeed to backbone of any modern business, be it large or small.
Below are the basics of each of the PE1950 server complete with generation. This can assist if your software calls for specific requirements. Again this doesn’t drill down to every bit of difference between the generations, but a guideline.
Dell PE1950 1U Gen I
Processors: Up to 2, Intel Dual Core processors; Max processor speed is 3.73, max cache is 4m, max front side bus is 1333Mhz.
Memory: Up to 32gb 667Mhz
I/O Slots: three expansion slots; 2 x 64-bit PCI-X; 1 x PCI Express x8.
Drive Controllers: Embedded PERC integrated PCI SAS controller.
Raid Controllers: Embedded PERC 5/i, PERC4e/Di (single channel RAID with 256MB of battery-backup cache)
Drive Bays: 4, 2.5” or 2, 3.5” SAS or SATA Hard drives
Power supplies: 750W hot-plug/redundant.
Dell PE1950 1U Gen II
Processors: Up to 2, Intel Dual Core processors; Max processor speed is 3.0, max cache is 8m, max front side bus is 1333Mhz.
Memory: Up to 32gb 667Mhz
I/O Slots: three expansion slots; 2 x 64-bit PCI-X; 1 x PCI Express x8.
Drive Controllers: Embedded PERC integrated PCI SAS controller.
Raid Controllers: Embedded PERC 5/i, PERC4e/Di (single channel RAID with 256MB of battery-backup cache)
Drive Bays: 4, 2.5” or 2, 3.5” SAS or SATA Hard drives
Power supplies: 750W hot-plug/redundant.
Dell PE1950 1U Gen III
Processors: Up to 2, Intel Dual Core processors; Max processor speed is 3.0, max cache is 12m, max front side bus is 1333Mhz.
Memory: Up to 64gb 667Mhz
I/O Slots: three expansion slots; 2 x 64-bit PCI-X; 1 x PCI Express x8.
Drive Controllers: Embedded PERC integrated PCI SAS controller.
Raid Controllers: Embedded PERC 5/i, PERC4e/Di (single channel RAID with 256MB of battery-backup cache)
Drive Bays: 4, 2.5” or 2, 3.5” SAS or SATA Hard drives
Power supplies: 750W hot-plug/redundant.
About velocityanne
Charming and personable sales GURU for Velocity Tech Solutions. We are the BEST source for Dell Poweredge and HP Proliant servers and server parts.
View all posts by velocityanne →
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Types of Raid and the Advantages of Each
I thought I’d let our head Geek write more words of her server wisdom. We get so many questions around setting up raid on Dell Poweredge Servers that we thought this would be an easy way to help.
What are the types of Raid and the advantages of each?
By Kay Winchell, Velocity Tech Solutions, www.velocitytechsolutions.com
A vitally important function of the network administrator is to protect and secure the data of a business. An equally important function is maximizing the performance of the network. A cost effective way of both protecting data and maintaining access to the network is to install a RAID array on your server’s hard drives. RAID, or Redundant Array of Independent Disks, is what we use to describe a data storage method that can manage data among multiple hard disk drives on a server . The main reason a Raid Array is used is for performance and redundancy, the benefits of which depend on the type of Raid chosen.
The most common types of Raid Arrays for servers are Raid 0, Raid 1, and Raid 5, 6, 10, 50 and 60. We will discuss the trade-offs between performance (speed of access) and redundancy (protection of data) with each type of RAID.
Raid 0, which is also called Striping, provides for highest performance and zero redundancy. The Raid controller writes data across all drives in the array and reads and writes to multiple disks at the same time. Speed is enhanced, however, if one hard drive in the array fails, total data loss occurs. A business will usually use Raid 0 when speedy temporary access to large capacity disk space is needed, and in the case of disk failure the data can be easily reloaded from another source without impacting the business. 100% of the disk space is available for use with a RAID 0 configuration, so the cost of storage is the lowest. To summarize this option, speed is high, disk storage cost is the lowest, and safety of the data is lowest.
Raid 1, which is also called Mirroring, provides for high redundancy, but zero increase in performance. Each hard drive is paired with another, one being a complete copy, or mirror, of the other. If one hard drive fails, the paired drive contains the same data. To set up Raid 1, the server must have at least two hard drives. Businesses will usually use a RAID 1 when absolute data safety and access are required. However, cost of disk storage is a secondary consideration, as only 50% of the disk space is actually available. To summarize this option, speed is medium, disk storage cost is the highest, and data safety is high.
Raid 5, which is also called Stripe Sets with Parity, has a mix of performance, storage cost, and redundancy benefits. Data is written to all of the drives in the array and parity data is written to all of the drives in the array as well. The result does not require disk duplication like mirroring but does maintain redundancy. If a hard drive in the array fails, a new drive can be added and the array repairs itself while the system continues to operate normally. For this reason, Raid 5 is the array of choice for most servers with three or more disks. The RAID parity requires one drive per RAID set, so disk availability is always one hard drive less than the number of drives in the array, still much better than the 50% capacity of mirroring.
Raid 6, which is also called Stripe Sets with Dual Parity, is designed to improve the disk failure tolerance of RAID 5 by withstanding the failure of two drives in the array. Raid 6 functions like Raid 5, with stripe sets and parity, but adds a second parity scheme that distributes data across different disks than the first parity scheme to enable dual parity. Raid 6 requires a minimum of 4 disks and the parity requires two hard drives per RAID set. Raid 6 is a particularly good option for servers that use SATA drives, which are less expensive, but also less reliable, and may possibly require the ability to withstand a double disk failure.
Raid 10, which is also called Stripe Sets and Mirroring, is a multiple array set that combines Raid 0 Striping and Raid 1 Mirroring. The base level is two or more Raid 1 arrays, which as you will recall, is an array where each drive has an exact duplicate of itself. The second level is a Raid 0 array which stripes all of the data from the sub-arrays across all of the drives in its array. So, there is mirror redundancy in the sub-array and no redundancy in the main array. This provides for speed of access and combined capacity in the main array. One drive can fail in each sub-array and still be recoverable. Like mirroring, only 50% of the total drive capacity is available, but both redundancy and performance are enhanced by this Raid method.
Raid 50, which is also called Stripe Sets, is another multiple array set that combines Raid 5 with Raid 0. The base level is two or more Raid 5 arrays, which as you will recall, uses stripes and parity to maintain redundancy. The second level is a Raid 0 array which stripes all of the data from the sub-arrays across all of the drives in its array. So, there is parity redundancy in the sub-array and no redundancy in the main array. This provides for speed of access and combined capacity in the main array. One drive can fail in each sub-array and still be recoverable. However, like the difference between Raid 1 and Raid 5, the total disk capacity is increased because parity uses only one drive per array, as opposed to mirroring, which uses one drive out of each two.
Raid 60, which is also called Stripe Sets and Dual Parity Stripe Sets, is another multiple array set that combines Raid 6 with Raid 0. The base level is two or more Raid 6 arrays, which as you will recall, uses dual parity stripe sets to maintain redundancy. The second level is again a Raid 0 array, which stripes all of the data from the sub-arrays across all of the drives in its array. So, there is dual parity redundancy in the sub-array, and no redundancy in the main array. Again, this provides for speed of access and combined capacity in the main array. Two drives can fail in each sub-array and still be recoverable. Total disk capacity is still increased over mirroring, while preserving redundancy.
Your server, depending on its age, may not be capable of installing the newer types of Raid array.
What are the types of Raid and the advantages of each?
By Kay Winchell, Velocity Tech Solutions, www.velocitytechsolutions.com
A vitally important function of the network administrator is to protect and secure the data of a business. An equally important function is maximizing the performance of the network. A cost effective way of both protecting data and maintaining access to the network is to install a RAID array on your server’s hard drives. RAID, or Redundant Array of Independent Disks, is what we use to describe a data storage method that can manage data among multiple hard disk drives on a server . The main reason a Raid Array is used is for performance and redundancy, the benefits of which depend on the type of Raid chosen.
The most common types of Raid Arrays for servers are Raid 0, Raid 1, and Raid 5, 6, 10, 50 and 60. We will discuss the trade-offs between performance (speed of access) and redundancy (protection of data) with each type of RAID.
Raid 0, which is also called Striping, provides for highest performance and zero redundancy. The Raid controller writes data across all drives in the array and reads and writes to multiple disks at the same time. Speed is enhanced, however, if one hard drive in the array fails, total data loss occurs. A business will usually use Raid 0 when speedy temporary access to large capacity disk space is needed, and in the case of disk failure the data can be easily reloaded from another source without impacting the business. 100% of the disk space is available for use with a RAID 0 configuration, so the cost of storage is the lowest. To summarize this option, speed is high, disk storage cost is the lowest, and safety of the data is lowest.
Raid 1, which is also called Mirroring, provides for high redundancy, but zero increase in performance. Each hard drive is paired with another, one being a complete copy, or mirror, of the other. If one hard drive fails, the paired drive contains the same data. To set up Raid 1, the server must have at least two hard drives. Businesses will usually use a RAID 1 when absolute data safety and access are required. However, cost of disk storage is a secondary consideration, as only 50% of the disk space is actually available. To summarize this option, speed is medium, disk storage cost is the highest, and data safety is high.
Raid 5, which is also called Stripe Sets with Parity, has a mix of performance, storage cost, and redundancy benefits. Data is written to all of the drives in the array and parity data is written to all of the drives in the array as well. The result does not require disk duplication like mirroring but does maintain redundancy. If a hard drive in the array fails, a new drive can be added and the array repairs itself while the system continues to operate normally. For this reason, Raid 5 is the array of choice for most servers with three or more disks. The RAID parity requires one drive per RAID set, so disk availability is always one hard drive less than the number of drives in the array, still much better than the 50% capacity of mirroring.
Raid 6, which is also called Stripe Sets with Dual Parity, is designed to improve the disk failure tolerance of RAID 5 by withstanding the failure of two drives in the array. Raid 6 functions like Raid 5, with stripe sets and parity, but adds a second parity scheme that distributes data across different disks than the first parity scheme to enable dual parity. Raid 6 requires a minimum of 4 disks and the parity requires two hard drives per RAID set. Raid 6 is a particularly good option for servers that use SATA drives, which are less expensive, but also less reliable, and may possibly require the ability to withstand a double disk failure.
Raid 10, which is also called Stripe Sets and Mirroring, is a multiple array set that combines Raid 0 Striping and Raid 1 Mirroring. The base level is two or more Raid 1 arrays, which as you will recall, is an array where each drive has an exact duplicate of itself. The second level is a Raid 0 array which stripes all of the data from the sub-arrays across all of the drives in its array. So, there is mirror redundancy in the sub-array and no redundancy in the main array. This provides for speed of access and combined capacity in the main array. One drive can fail in each sub-array and still be recoverable. Like mirroring, only 50% of the total drive capacity is available, but both redundancy and performance are enhanced by this Raid method.
Raid 50, which is also called Stripe Sets, is another multiple array set that combines Raid 5 with Raid 0. The base level is two or more Raid 5 arrays, which as you will recall, uses stripes and parity to maintain redundancy. The second level is a Raid 0 array which stripes all of the data from the sub-arrays across all of the drives in its array. So, there is parity redundancy in the sub-array and no redundancy in the main array. This provides for speed of access and combined capacity in the main array. One drive can fail in each sub-array and still be recoverable. However, like the difference between Raid 1 and Raid 5, the total disk capacity is increased because parity uses only one drive per array, as opposed to mirroring, which uses one drive out of each two.
Raid 60, which is also called Stripe Sets and Dual Parity Stripe Sets, is another multiple array set that combines Raid 6 with Raid 0. The base level is two or more Raid 6 arrays, which as you will recall, uses dual parity stripe sets to maintain redundancy. The second level is again a Raid 0 array, which stripes all of the data from the sub-arrays across all of the drives in its array. So, there is dual parity redundancy in the sub-array, and no redundancy in the main array. Again, this provides for speed of access and combined capacity in the main array. Two drives can fail in each sub-array and still be recoverable. Total disk capacity is still increased over mirroring, while preserving redundancy.
Your server, depending on its age, may not be capable of installing the newer types of Raid array.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
How to set up a RAID Array for the Dell Poweredge 2850 Server.
One of the owners of Velocity Tech Solutions and the CIO, AKA Best Geek Ever is looking of ways to help people get through the “SERVER HELL” of setting up raid. So often a tech will walk into a job where someone else set up the server and all is good in the world until it crashes. They then enter “server hell” and since each machine is different, server hell can be a long hard road.
For those having to set up a raid array on a Dell Poweredge 2850 Server, Kay Winchell has made it a bit easier. Read Below:
RAID, or Redundant Array of Independent Disks, is a term used to describe a data storage method that can manage data among multiple hard disk drives on a server . The main reason a Raid Array is used is for performance and redundancy, the benefits of which depend on the type of Raid chosen. The three most common types of Raid Arrays for servers are Raid 0, Raid 1, and Raid 5.
Raid 0, which is also called Striping, provides for higher performance and zero redundancy. The Raid controller writes data across all drives in the array and reads and writes to multiple disks at the same time. Speed is enhanced, however, if one hard drive in the array fails, all data is usually lost.
Raid 1, which is also called Mirroring, provides for high redundancy, but zero increase in performance. Each hard drive is paired with another, one being a copy, or mirror, of the other. If one hard drive fails, the paired drive contains the same data. To set up Raid 1, the server must have at least two hard drives.
Raid 5, which is also called Stripe Sets with Parity, has a mix of performance and redundancy benefits. Data is written to all of the drives in the array and parity data is written to all of the drives in the array as well. The result is an increase in performance over mirroring while maintaining redundancy. If a hard drive in the array fails, a new drive can be added and the array repairs itself while the system continues to operate normally. For this reason, Raid 5 is the array of choice for most servers with three or more disks.
Here are the instructions to set up a Raid Array for the Poweredge 2850 Server. Please be aware that the instructions below are for setting up an array in a new server, not for adding drives to an array.
Step 1: Power on the server. The machine will go through POST (Power On Self Test) at which time hardware components are identified and checked. Step 2: The server will now start to boot. A prompt will come up that says: Dell Poweredge Expandable RAID Controller Copyright © American Megatrends Inc. Press <Ctrl M> to run configuration utility.
Step 3: After pressing <Ctrl M>, the Management Menu appears. The first item on the Management Menu is Easy Configuration. Select Easy Configuration.
Step 4: A screen now appears with a listing of your hard drives. Press the SPACE bar for each drive you want to configure. Press Enter when finished selecting your drives.
Step 5: Now you will choose your span, which is how many drives you want to configure into your array. Use the spacebar to select your span. Press F10 when finished selecting your span. The reason you select a span is because multiple Raid Arrays can be set up within your drives. For instance, many administrators set up an array with the first two drives for the OS, with a second array for data.
Step 6: A Screen now appears for Choose your Raid Level. Depending on how many drives you have selected in your span, the system will offer you various options of Raid 0, 1, or 5. Arrow up or down and select your Raid level. Press Enter to accept.
Step 7: At the prompt of Escape to Save Configuration, press yes. Your Raid Array is now configured.
Anne Tarantino via Kay Winchell
Velocity Tech Solutions
For those having to set up a raid array on a Dell Poweredge 2850 Server, Kay Winchell has made it a bit easier. Read Below:
RAID, or Redundant Array of Independent Disks, is a term used to describe a data storage method that can manage data among multiple hard disk drives on a server . The main reason a Raid Array is used is for performance and redundancy, the benefits of which depend on the type of Raid chosen. The three most common types of Raid Arrays for servers are Raid 0, Raid 1, and Raid 5.
Raid 0, which is also called Striping, provides for higher performance and zero redundancy. The Raid controller writes data across all drives in the array and reads and writes to multiple disks at the same time. Speed is enhanced, however, if one hard drive in the array fails, all data is usually lost.
Raid 1, which is also called Mirroring, provides for high redundancy, but zero increase in performance. Each hard drive is paired with another, one being a copy, or mirror, of the other. If one hard drive fails, the paired drive contains the same data. To set up Raid 1, the server must have at least two hard drives.
Raid 5, which is also called Stripe Sets with Parity, has a mix of performance and redundancy benefits. Data is written to all of the drives in the array and parity data is written to all of the drives in the array as well. The result is an increase in performance over mirroring while maintaining redundancy. If a hard drive in the array fails, a new drive can be added and the array repairs itself while the system continues to operate normally. For this reason, Raid 5 is the array of choice for most servers with three or more disks.
Here are the instructions to set up a Raid Array for the Poweredge 2850 Server. Please be aware that the instructions below are for setting up an array in a new server, not for adding drives to an array.
Step 1: Power on the server. The machine will go through POST (Power On Self Test) at which time hardware components are identified and checked. Step 2: The server will now start to boot. A prompt will come up that says: Dell Poweredge Expandable RAID Controller Copyright © American Megatrends Inc. Press <Ctrl M> to run configuration utility.
Step 3: After pressing <Ctrl M>, the Management Menu appears. The first item on the Management Menu is Easy Configuration. Select Easy Configuration.
Step 4: A screen now appears with a listing of your hard drives. Press the SPACE bar for each drive you want to configure. Press Enter when finished selecting your drives.
Step 5: Now you will choose your span, which is how many drives you want to configure into your array. Use the spacebar to select your span. Press F10 when finished selecting your span. The reason you select a span is because multiple Raid Arrays can be set up within your drives. For instance, many administrators set up an array with the first two drives for the OS, with a second array for data.
Step 6: A Screen now appears for Choose your Raid Level. Depending on how many drives you have selected in your span, the system will offer you various options of Raid 0, 1, or 5. Arrow up or down and select your Raid level. Press Enter to accept.
Step 7: At the prompt of Escape to Save Configuration, press yes. Your Raid Array is now configured.
Anne Tarantino via Kay Winchell
Velocity Tech Solutions
Monday, September 27, 2010
Dell Poweredge 2850/2800/1850 Batt/Mem Error
So, hardware isn’t the spice of life, and writing about is isn’t near as fun and writing about something controversial where everyone and their brother gets worked up and starts spewing their opinions. But, It’s what I do and honestly, it is kind of fun in a non Geeky, but Geeky kind of way.
For you people that have Dell PE2800, 2850, 1850 servers, you may be experiencing a mem/batt error. The error can be a little confusing because it can be any piece of the raid kit, Dell part number H1813 (key, battery, or memory stick). To make it even more confusing, you can change out all of those parts and still have the same error. If that persists, your riser card is more than likely failing. The riser cards for those machines have multiple part numbers.
This is just a little Geeky FYI for those that are pulling their hair out looking for answers.
You can always call me at (888)784-2088 or check out our web page at www.velocitytechsolutions.com
Hope this helps someone out there!
Anne
For you people that have Dell PE2800, 2850, 1850 servers, you may be experiencing a mem/batt error. The error can be a little confusing because it can be any piece of the raid kit, Dell part number H1813 (key, battery, or memory stick). To make it even more confusing, you can change out all of those parts and still have the same error. If that persists, your riser card is more than likely failing. The riser cards for those machines have multiple part numbers.
This is just a little Geeky FYI for those that are pulling their hair out looking for answers.
You can always call me at (888)784-2088 or check out our web page at www.velocitytechsolutions.com
Hope this helps someone out there!
Anne
Friday, September 24, 2010
Used Networking Equipment; It Ain't so Bad
My how the recession has changed the way we think and the way we buy. Not just in our personal lives, but also business spending.
My prior life was running call centers, my middle name was production. Everything was about production. Production meetings usually produced nothing and were about as exciting and watching paint dry. Honestly, it was fun when we were down because to watch people run like their pants were on fire saying “we’re losing production” and having no clue what to do except hover over the tech that was trying to figure out how to fix the issue.That lead to always spending ridiculous amounts of money on new servers,switches and everything else that lost more value than driving a new giant SUV off the lot.
Fast forward to post 2007. Unemployment is high, foreclosure is high, gas is high, spending; non existent.
Thankfully, my life as a call center Nazi is over. I do keep in touch with many of those people who are now my customers. They have servers and equipment that are at 5 or so years old and they keep buying servers and server parts and are thankful to keep that stuff running.
Dell Power edge Servers really made a huge impact on the networking market over the past 10 years or so. They appealed to the small and medium market and were more affordable than the larger enterprise class manufacturers like HP and IBM. So many businesses were buying Power Edge Servers and every 3 years, they were getting the latest and greatest Dell Power Edge Servers. It seemed to be a sign of success. You could run your equipment lease along with your car lease and in one month you could have the Expedition AND the big beefy servers. Oh what fun it was to play with those new toys.
So, now instead of spending $500,000 on a house, we’re back to $150,000. Instead of $50,000 on a car, we’re looking at $15,000 and for our IT equipment, we’ve gone from $100,000 to $10,000. All still with warranties, still reliable.
Suddenly, an older smaller home, a smaller used car and used IT equipment, ain’t so bad.
My prior life was running call centers, my middle name was production. Everything was about production. Production meetings usually produced nothing and were about as exciting and watching paint dry. Honestly, it was fun when we were down because to watch people run like their pants were on fire saying “we’re losing production” and having no clue what to do except hover over the tech that was trying to figure out how to fix the issue.That lead to always spending ridiculous amounts of money on new servers,switches and everything else that lost more value than driving a new giant SUV off the lot.
Fast forward to post 2007. Unemployment is high, foreclosure is high, gas is high, spending; non existent.
Thankfully, my life as a call center Nazi is over. I do keep in touch with many of those people who are now my customers. They have servers and equipment that are at 5 or so years old and they keep buying servers and server parts and are thankful to keep that stuff running.
Dell Power edge Servers really made a huge impact on the networking market over the past 10 years or so. They appealed to the small and medium market and were more affordable than the larger enterprise class manufacturers like HP and IBM. So many businesses were buying Power Edge Servers and every 3 years, they were getting the latest and greatest Dell Power Edge Servers. It seemed to be a sign of success. You could run your equipment lease along with your car lease and in one month you could have the Expedition AND the big beefy servers. Oh what fun it was to play with those new toys.
So, now instead of spending $500,000 on a house, we’re back to $150,000. Instead of $50,000 on a car, we’re looking at $15,000 and for our IT equipment, we’ve gone from $100,000 to $10,000. All still with warranties, still reliable.
Suddenly, an older smaller home, a smaller used car and used IT equipment, ain’t so bad.
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