Just formated 4 more, another 16 disk array finished !Just FYI, formatted another 4 drives in my array to 512 without problems.
Using Windows Server 2016, sg3_utils-1.46mgw64.zip from The sg3_utils package
Sg_scan to see avaliable drives and then:
sg_format.exe --format --size=512 PD#
Cheers !
This command formats 24 disks concurrently.parallel -j0 sg_format --format --size=512 -e ::: /dev/sg{0..23}
parallel -j0 sg_requests ::: /dev/sg{0..23}
In theorie you should be able to disconnect/offline/export/ or however it’s called in HP speech your existing RAID array, power down your server, physically disconnect your existing disks of the array.I came across the switch to HBA mode on controller solution but the problem is this is my only storage option and switching to HBA requires an array delete = loosing all my data.
is there any method i can format the three drives so my controller can recognise them without loosing data?
Would it not work if i boot linux from USB as is? sg3 utils canot target specific drives? Does the controler card need to be in HBA mode for sg3 to work?In theorie you should be able to disconnect/offline/export/ or however it’s called in HP speech your existing RAID array, power down your server, physically disconnect your existing disks of the array.
Then switch your Raidcontroller to HBA, connect only the new disks. Boot a Linux from a stick which comes with sg3 utils (RescueLinux or something like that). Do your sg_format with your new disks. Power down, disconnect the new disks. Change controller back to RAID. Connect your existing disks. Import your raid array (import foreign configuration for LSI based ones, no clue how it’s called for the HPE ones, use google and manual). After you confirmed the existing array working (best to trigger a patrol read) power down again, add your new disks, power on and expand your array.
Myself would not try this whiteout a proper backup before.
You can give this a try, for sure you can target specific drives with sg3-utils. Unfortunately chances are high that the reformat will not work with a Raid card, several users reported issues when not using a HBA. But it’s your system and your data, so your decision.Would it not work if i boot linux from USB as is? sg3 utils canot target specific drives? Does the controler card need to be in HBA mode for sg3 to work?
Can i use my PC with lsi sas HBA card installed in PCIE slot to format these drives? and then after format to be inserted to HP?You can give this a try, for sure you can target specific drives with sg3-utils. Unfortunately chances are high that the reformat will not work with a Raid card, several users reported issues when not using a HBA. But it’s your system and your data, so your decision.
That first HBA is old as dirt. the second would probably work but there are better deals to be had on ebay.Can i use my PC with lsi sas HBA card installed in PCIE slot to format these drives? and then after format to be inserted to HP?
im loooking into
or this
This will do the job in Windows or Linux.Can i use my PC with lsi sas HBA card installed in PCIE slot to format these drives? and then after format to be inserted to HP?
But the cost of the cable needs to be factored in.This will do the job in Windows or Linux.
To me, a 12Gbps card and cable is a better deal long term than a 6Gbps card that uses your already-purchased cable.But the cost of the cable needs to be factored in.
I agree. But a few members here would consider the cost of the cable to be a factor. I'm not one of them.To me, a 12Gbps card and cable is a better deal long term than a 6Gbps card that uses your already-purchased cable.
I think about the cost compared to the total price of the system, and for a "1x" item (like an HBA), spending a few dollars more total isn't a big deal when I have to buy 12x 10TB drives to connect to that HBA.
Depends on the firmware. They could be formattable to 512 with IBM controllers only OR they can be easily managed by any generic HBA. Give a try and share resultsDo anyone know if they are formattable to 512b
Thanks, will try this weekend on my LSI HBA and report back.Depends on the firmware. They could be formattable to 512 with IBM controllers only OR they can be easily managed by any generic HBA. Give a try and share results
Some IBM branded HGST drives that I have in possession arrived security locked, but easily reformattable once foreign security config cleared.
Err, looks like i need help.Depends on the firmware. They could be formattable to 512 with IBM controllers only OR they can be easily managed by any generic HBA. Give a try and share results
Some IBM branded HGST drives that I have in possession arrived security locked, but easily reformattable once foreign security config cleared.