IBM M1015 / LSI 9211-8i in Dell R710 with PERC 6/i

[kfriis]

Hi all -

New here!

I have a Dell R710 with the integrated PERC 6/i storage controller (8 x 2.5"). I also have the famous IBM M1015 HBA.

I would like to use the M1015 in the R710 (instead of the PERC 6/i), but I am not sure how to connect it to the built-in SAS backplane in the R710.

The goal is to use a mix of SAS and SATA/SSD drives in a JBOD arrangement for software-based RAID.

1) Is this hardware configuration possible (i.e. remove the PERC 6/i and use an M1015 instead)?

2) What cable(s) do I need to connect the M1015 to the R710 backplane?

3) Does the stated goal above sound realistic and reasonable?

I am always impressed with the amount of knowledge on these forums. Hoping for a little help!

 

[mrkrad]

Same cabling as the PERC H700 uses here's a whole H700 for sale with pics : Dell PowerEdge R710 3 5" Dell PERC H700 SAS SATA 6g 512MB RAID Battery Cable Kit | eBay

 

[kfriis]

Thanks - appreciate the quick reply!

However, that would be about $200 for just a cable since this is the only thing I need to connect the M1015 to the R710 backplane (?) ....

Since I already have the M1015, I dont need a H700. Does anyone know what that cable is called or maybe even an eBay link?

Thanks!

 

[kfriis]

OP here.

I think I found the correct cable here in case somebody else is looking:

New Dell R710 2 5" Chassis SAS Cable for PERC H700 R145M | eBay

 

[tasukete]

OP, did the cable work? I have the M1015, and the cabling question is the only thing keeping me from grabbing an R710 off eBay. Thanks!

 

[denpa]

I hope I'm not too late.
You can only use a PERC 6/i or H700 in the integrated slot and must use any other raid card in the other PCI-e slots. The Dell-branded cables will only reach to the integrated slot, so you need longer cables than what was linked above. I currently have a LSI 9265-8i in my R710 in the PCI-e x8 slot using these cables Amazon.com: Slim Flat Left Angled 90D Mini SAS 36Pin SFF-8087 to 8087 Data Raid Cable: Computers & Accessories

 

[tasukete]

Interesting! Thank you.

I should've expected that Dell would make the cables exactly the right length. Having worked for them in the past, I know they're one of the few companies that can profitably spin a custom cable just to save a fraction of a cent. It also helps with cable clutter, but to Dell that's a secondary benefit.