swapping Intel raid cards- porting RAID arrays

[GSing12]

Hi Everyone

I have an Intel RAID card RT3WB080 which has two RAID5 arrays of 4 x3TB drives each, total 8 drives, installed on my workstation.

I have a spare Intel RAID card RS2WG160 with SSD cache key installed, that supports upto 16 drives.

I want to port my 2 RAID arrays to the spare card on the same desktop and expand the array.

Is this possible without destroying / recreating the array.

Look forward to your input and suggestions.

Thanks

Gurvesh

[Cesar_B_Intel · Accepted solution]

Hello Gurvesh ,

Yes, The expansion is possible. In this case we recommend you to create a backup image in case something goes wrong, then proceed to add the drives, In this particular case you will need to expand your current RAID 5 Array by doing a Drive Migration . You could get more relevant information about the raid Migration at http://download.intel.com/support/motherboards/server/rs2wg160/sb/rs2wg160_hwg.pdf appendix A (on page 30 of Appendix A) .

Additionally, there is useful information at http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/boards-and-kits/000006143.html Supported RAID Migrations for Intel® Rapid Storage Technology...

Note:Only complete configurations can be migrated; individual virtual disks cannot be migrated. Drive roaming and drive migration cannot be supported at the same time.

Regards,

Caesar B.

[GSing12]

Hi Cesar

i followed your instructions and the guide.

steps i followed were

1. on a different computer, i installed the 16 port raid card and cleared the settings

2. updated the firmware to the latest version

3. shut down the primary work station

4. plugged the new card into the workstation and just plugged in the SAS cables. removed the older card.

5. booted up the system.

the RAID card automatically recognized the 8 drives and 2 virtual drives and booted normally.

had to install the Intel device driver and rebooted the system.

it was so easy. thank you for your help.

now i can expand the array.

regards

gurvesh

[Cesar_B_Intel]

Hello Gurvesh,

I am glad to hear you were able to expand the array.

Best regards,

Caesar B