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Raid 5 Storage Expansion

Tags:
  • NAS / RAID
  • Storage
  • Business Computing
  • Servers
Last response: in Storage
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June 19, 2013 8:35:52 AM

We have a PowerEdge 2950 with Server 2008 Running an Exchange server, and are running out of space on our current array.

We have (4) 300gb drives in RAID-5 right now, and need to increase both our C and D drive capacity very soon, but without major reconstruction.

There are two open drive bays in the server, so my initial thought is to do a full file system backup, add two more 300gb drives to the array (which would require full reconfig in raid utility), and then restore the system to the new larger array. It is my understanding then, that it is easy to simply increase partition size for each drive with newly created unused disc space.

Is what I just said possible? I am just beginning to explore the possibilities here, but am still fresh to manipulating partitions on a production system.

Thank you for any help!

More about : raid storage expansion

a c 971 G Storage
June 19, 2013 3:10:26 PM

You'll need to investigate your storage situation a bit further. The 2950 has 4 integrated sas ports as well as have 3 different perc raid controllers available. What you will be able to do is dependent on what the controller software allows. Hopefully C; and D: are on the Perc as it will make things alot easier.
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June 20, 2013 11:13:41 AM

Thank you for the response!

I had previously assumed we had the PERC5, but turns out we have the PERC6/i on this server. After some research, it looks like we will be able to add a drive (or two) to the array without much difficulty using Dell OMSA, then expand each partition as they are both on the same virtual disk.

We will be getting a 5th drive for the array and adding it next week, so I will update after this is completed with any issues that occur.
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