Configuring An Array; Introduction; Comparing The Utilities - HP 273914-B21 - Smart Array 6404/256 RAID Controller User Manual

Configuring an array

In this section

Introduction ........................................................................................................................................... 14

Comparing the utilities ............................................................................................................................ 14

Using ORCA.......................................................................................................................................... 15
Using ACU ............................................................................................................................................ 16
Introduction
HP provides two utilities for manually configuring an array on a Smart Array controller:
ORCA—A simple ROM-based configuration utility
ACU—A versatile, browser-based utility that provides maximum control over configuration
parameters
NOTE: To copy a particular array configuration to several other servers on the same network, use ACR or
the scripting capability of ACU. ACR is provided in the SmartStart Scripting Toolkit, available on the HP
website (http://www.hp.com/servers/sstoolkit).
Whichever utility you use, the following limitations apply:
For the most efficient use of drive space, do not mix drives of different capacities within the same
array. The configuration utility treats all physical drives in an array as if they have the same capacity
as the smallest drive in the array. The excess capacity of any larger drives is wasted because it is
unavailable for data storage.
The probability that an array will experience a drive failure increases with the number of physical
drives in the array. If you configure a logical drive with RAID 5, keep the probability of failure low
by using no more than 14 physical drives in the array.
For conceptual information about arrays, logical drives, and fault-tolerance methods, and for information
about default array configuration settings, refer to the HP Array Configuration Utility User Guide. This
document is available on the Documentation CD that is provided in the controller kit.
Comparing the utilities
NOTE: A + in the appropriate column indicates that the feature or procedure is supported, while -- indicates
that the feature or procedure is not supported.
Supported features
Uses a graphical interface
Available in languages other than English
Available on CD
Uses a wizard to suggest the optimum configuration for an unconfigured controller +
Describes configuration errors
Suitable for configuration while online
ACU ORCA
+ --
+ --
+ --
--
+ --
+ --
Configuring an array 14