Managing Preserved Cache

If a virtual disk becomes offline or is deleted because of missing physical disks, the controller preserves the dirty cache from the virtual disk.

The preserved dirty cache, known as pinned cache, is preserved until you import the virtual disk or discard the cache.

NOTE: Certain operations, such as creating a new virtual disk, cannot be performed if preserved cache exists. You have to enter the BIOS Configuration Utility (<Ctrl><R>) to resolve the situation before you boot to the operating system. Messages are displayed notifying you that you must enter the BIOS Configuration Utility (<Ctrl><R>) to discard the preserved cache or import the virtual disks with the preserved cache.

CAUTION: If there are any foreign configurations, it is strongly advised that you import the foreign configuration before you discard the preserved cache. Otherwise, you might lose data that belongs with the foreign configuration.

Perform the following steps to select whether to import the virtual disk or discard the preserved cache:

1On the VD Mgmt screen, click on a controller icon.

2Press <F2> to display the menu of available actions.

3Select Manage Preserved Cache.

A message is displayed advising you to import the foreign configuration before you discard the preserved cache to avoid losing data belonging to the foreign configuration. Confirm whether you want to continue. The Manage Preserved Cache screen displays the affected virtual disks.

4You can choose to discard the cache on the Manage Preserved Cache screen. If you press Cancel, the process is cancelled and the Preserved Cache Retained dialog box is displayed.

If you choose to discard the cache, you are prompted to confirm your choice. If you choose to retain the cache, a message is displayed to notify you that you cannot perform certain operations while the cache exists. Click OK to continue.

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Management Applications for PERC Cards

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Dell H710P, H310, H810 manual Managing Preserved Cache, Select Manage Preserved Cache

H310, H710, H710P, H810 specifications

Dell offers a range of storage controller technologies, notably the H810, H710, H710P, and H310, which cater to different enterprise needs. These controllers are designed to support various storage configurations, enhancing overall system performance and reliability.

The Dell H810 is a high-performance PCIe 3.0 RAID controller that supports up to eight internal drives and is particularly suited for demanding workloads. It features advanced RAID levels including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60, providing flexibility for various data protection strategies. The H810 also supports up to 32TB of storage capacity, making it suitable for environments that require substantial data management capabilities.

The H710 is another powerful RAID controller, widely recognized for its balance of performance and cost-efficiency. It features 1GB of cache memory, which aids in accelerating read and write operations. The H710 supports the same RAID levels as the H810 and allows for up to 512MB of non-volatile memory. This ensures data integrity even in the event of a power failure, making it reliable for critical applications.

The H710P is an enhanced version of the H710, with a significant upgrade in its cache capabilities. It offers 2GB of battery-backed cache memory, further enhancing data processing speeds and improving responsiveness. The H710P is ideal for intensive workloads and virtualization, where rapid access to data is essential. This controller also includes features such as RAID storage pooling, intelligent data tiering, and support for multiple virtual disks.

Finally, the H310 is a cost-effective option for small to medium-sized businesses or those with less demanding storage requirements. It offers similar RAID support as the higher-end controllers but operates with a simpler architecture. The H310 features 512MB of cache, providing sufficient performance for regular workloads without the additional complexities of more advanced controllers.

In summary, Dell's H810, H710, H710P, and H310 storage controllers each serve distinct purposes, providing various features, technologies, and performance characteristics tailored to different business needs. From high-capacity storage solutions to user-friendly setups, Dell’s offerings ensure that organizations can efficiently manage their data storage requirements.