IBM DAS with 12x1tb HDD.

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altmind

Active Member
Sep 23, 2018
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got one.

no idea how to put them to use. in the end of the say, 12 drives per 2U is not that great.

also, these, populated with heavy drives, give me an idea they are going to arrive damaged.
 
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Kryak

Member
Jan 17, 2020
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Waltham, MA
got one.

no idea how to put them to use. in the end of the say, 12 drives per 2U is not that great.

also, these, populated with heavy drives, give me an idea they are going to arrive damaged.
When DAS arrive:
1. read smart.
2. write a lot
3. read smart and compare.
4. run online short, online long and offline smart test.
5. use 10+2 RaidZ2.
6. enjoy.
 
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Oddworld

Member
Jan 16, 2018
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Could someone double check me to confirm I'm not missing anything? For example, did I buy the right cables and do I have enough of them? New to DAS storage. Here's what I've ordered:

(1) 1x IBM EXP3000

IBM EXP3000 SAN Storage Enclosure w/12x 1Tb HD, 2x ESM, 2x PSU - 1727-HC1 REFURB | eBay

(2) 1x LSI SAS9200-16e - the plan is to flash to firmware P20 and IT mode

LSI SAS9200-16e 16-Port External HBA Full-Height PCIe H3-25140-02D | eBay

(3) 2x SAS SFF-8088 to SFF-8088 cables.... is two cables sufficient? I see four ports on the IBM DAS, but am 100% unsure how many are actually needed.

NEW DELL COMPELLENT EXTERNAL 2M SFF-8088 To SFF-8088 Mini SAS CABLE S1200-02 | eBay
 
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Oddworld

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Jan 16, 2018
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Are the 1TB drives included in the DAS formatted 512k or 528k?

I assume 512k / 4K, but the listing does not say. 528 drives are a headache if you don't have the right equipment.
 
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Kryak

Member
Jan 17, 2020
28
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Waltham, MA
Are the 1TB drives included in the DAS formatted 512k or 528k?

I assume 512k / 4K, but the listing does not say. 528 drives are a headache if you don't have the right equipment.
I guess 512/520.
It can be reformated to 512.
my DAS, same model but different seller has regular (Ok, IBM logo + some firmware, but still work if I put this drive to my hp MSA DAS) HGST 750gb 512s SATA drives with SAS interposers. (because of dual head configuration)
I put one 3tb drive and checked with my HBA - works like my other DAS, HP MSA50/60 without any problem.
You have 3 options:
Put SAS drives.
Put SATA drives.
Put SATA drives with interposers if you will use dual controller config.

My advice: pull the second EMS controller and use blank. Then you will have spare controller on your storage shelf.
 
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Kryak

Member
Jan 17, 2020
28
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Waltham, MA
Stupid question, but what is an interposer? Is it a piece of hardware or software?
Hardware part between SATA drive and SAS connector.
SAS have more features them SATA, interposers need only if you emulate SAS dual port on regular SATA drives. if you need interposers, looks on eBay or ask me :)
Sorry, I can't upload photos.
 
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Samir

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Stupid question, but what is an interposer? Is it a piece of hardware or software?
It's a piece of hardware that allows some of the dual port capabilities of sas to work with an sata drive. This is important if you're using both controllers, otherwise you can use an sata drive without one.
 
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Oddworld

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Jan 16, 2018
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Are there any firmware updates for this DAS? Seems to work out of the box, but unsure whether FW can be upgraded. Can't seem to find anything.

Also - any tricks to make the fans quiet?
 

Kryak

Member
Jan 17, 2020
28
30
13
Waltham, MA
Are there any firmware updates for this DAS? Seems to work out of the box, but unsure whether FW can be upgraded. Can't seem to find anything.

Also - any tricks to make the fans quiet?
Don't worry about DAS firmware. Works? Don't touch.

About fans: open case and check fans, maybe quiet alternative available. Take a picture: wires and label on fan. Will thinking.