Ah646a (HP DL320) and PFSense

ugob · Aug 27, 2007, 4:22 PM

Hi,

My client ordered 2X HP DL320 (ah646a) and he wants me ton install PfSense on it. Well, at least on one. I tried the HDD install, but the integrated RAID doesn't look like it is is supported as I can see the 2 HDD individually. I'm now trying to install on a (external) flash drive), but I'm wondering what would be the best way to install/run it. CDROM boot with flash config, full flash, HDD? Is there a SATA-> compactflash adapter on the market?

Regards,

Ugo

GruensFroeschli · Aug 27, 2007, 9:29 PM

I never worked with your controller but i used other HP/Compaq controllers in the past and they all used a special software to configure the raid.
is it possible that you have to configure the Raid first or you see the HD's per default as single drives?

I'm not sure if you really want a Flash drive as storage for the pfSense since you cannot use packages with an embedded install.

if you are looking for a SATA/flash adaptor: there are SATA–>IDE and IDE-->Flash adaptors so you should be theoretically able to use a flash drive on a SATA-adaptor. but as said before. i wouldnt use a flash drive.

ugob · Aug 27, 2007, 10:42 PM

In fact I would not do an embedded install, I would run the livecd, then install on the flash card. This way, I can use packages, but I would not have swap.

ugob · Aug 27, 2007, 10:47 PM

You were right, the RAID option was disabled in the BIOS, I've just created the array and I'll try to install pfsense on the array. I'll keep you posted.

GruensFroeschli · Aug 27, 2007, 11:28 PM

If you install a full-version on a flash drive, the flash drive will eventually burn out since they have only a limited number of write cycles.
Search the forum. there are some threads that cover this topic.
If you "need" something in flashformat better better use a microdrive –>harddisk in flashsize, for on which model to use and which not to use, search the forum also. Somewhere is a thread about that too.

If you can install on the harddisk's of the raid (mirroring) that's even better, since you have at least some protection against harddisk-failure.

ugob · Aug 28, 2007, 12:49 AM

I created the mirror array and the installer sees 2 drives :(.

It is an Intel ICH7 controller (82801GR). It is not stated in the HCL, but maybe it has another name. Is it supposed to work?

arno · Aug 29, 2007, 10:38 AM

To use internal drives in hardware raid configuration (mirror), You must order additional raid controller:

HP Smart Array P400/256MB Controller (p/n 405132-B21)
DL320 SAS/SATA Hot Plug Cable option kit (p/n 398307-B21)

this works with ciss driver.

Probably You can use E200 controller too, at least it is in freebsd hcl, it is much cheaper, but i did not perform any tests in real life, so i can not suggest it for You.

ugob · Aug 29, 2007, 1:08 PM

Thanks,

Any idea what kind of HP server would be the least expensive, but would have a compatible RAID controller?