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Dell H710P, H310, H810 manual Managing Preserved Cache, Choose Break Mirror and press Enter

Models: H310 H710 H710P H810

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Break Mirror

A Break Mirror operation is an operation that can be performed only on RAID1 arrays. It provides a way to 'split' the mirror and spin-down one of the hard disks, which can then be imported into the configuration of a different PERC H310, H710, H710P, or H810 controller. This can be a useful way to:

•Create a disk image that can be imported and booted on a different system.

•Assist in software or configuration testing, where half of the mirror can be removed to ensure configuration consistency.

NOTE: The Break Mirror operation is not available within the booted operating system environment. It is only available in the BIOS (<Ctrl> <R>) utility and the UEFI RAID configuration utility.

Break Mirror In BIOS Configuration Utility

The RAID1 VD that you are to split must be in an optimal state, and it cannot be running any other background tasks. To use the Break Mirror feature from the BIOS Configuration Utility (<Ctrl> <R>), perform the following steps:

1.During boot up, press <Ctrl> <R> when prompted by the BIOS screen. If there is more than one controller in the system, choose the controller.

The VD Mgmt screen is displayed by default.

2.Highlight the appropriate Disk Group.

3.Press <F2> to display the available actions.

4.Choose Break Mirror and press <Enter>.

A dialog is displayed describing the operation and asking if you are sure you want to perform the operation.

5.Select Yes to continue.

The exported disk (exporting configuration) spins down and the hard drive status LED starts flashing to identify which drive must be pulled.

The remaining disk (exporting configuration) is in a degraded state until the missing member is replaced or rebuilt.

If there are any Global or Dedicated Hot Spare assigned which fulfills the rebuild requirements for the degraded RAID1 disk, a rebuild starts automatically. If there is no Hot Spare assigned, then a Hot Spare that meets all the requirements for the VD must be assigned before the rebuild starts.

NOTE: Importing a Broken Mirror is the same as importing a Foreign configuration. See the topic Importing Or Clearing Foreign Configurations Using The VD Mgmt Menu. The imported VD is in a degraded state until the missing member is rebuilt.

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.

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Dell H710P, H310, H810 manual Managing Preserved Cache, Choose Break Mirror and press Enter
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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.