Deleting CacheCade Virtual Disks

To delete CacheCade virtual disks, perform the following steps in the BIOS Configuration Utility:

1.Press <Ctrl> <N> to access the Virtual Disk Management screen.

2.Use the arrow keys to move the cursor to the CacheCade Disk Group or Virtual Disks heading.

3.Press <F2>.

The Action menu is displayed.

4.Select Delete VD and press <Enter>.

NOTE: Warning messages are displayed stating the effect of deleting a virtual disk. Click OK to complete the virtual disk deletion.

NOTE: In operating system management applications, a CacheCade virtual disk deletion or removal can be done without interrupting any I/Os. The controller stops caching via the secondary cache, but all outstanding I/Os are completed.

Reconfiguring CacheCade Virtual Disks

In operating system management applications, the resizing of CacheCade virtual disks occurs without stopping any existing I/Os. Creating a new CacheCade virtual disk or adding one or more SSDs to an existing CacheCade virtual disk increases the total cache size. The new resources are immediately used after the addition.

There are two methods to reconfigure CacheCade virtual disks:

Automatic reconfiguration of cachecade virtual disks

Manual reconfiguration of cachecade virtual disks

Automatic Reconfiguration Of CacheCade Virtual Disks

A CacheCade virtual disk that is made up of more than one SSD is automatically reconfigured upon a removal or failure of a member SSD. The virtual disk retains an Optimal state and adjusts its size to reflect the remaining number of member disks. If auto-rebuild is enabled on the controller, when a previously removed SSD is inserted back into the system or replaced with a new compatible SSD, the CacheCade automatically reconfigures and adjusts its size to reflect the addition of the member SSD.

The number of SSDs to be removed from a CacheCade virtual disk cannot equal the total number of SSDs currently in the CacheCade virtual disk.

After the automatic reconfiguration and resizing of a CacheCade virtual disk, the new virtual disk size is displayed in both the BIOS Configuration Utility as well as in the OpenManage storage management application.

CAUTION: If a disk is removed from a CacheCade virtual disk, the associated slot for that disk is a hot slot for the CacheCade volume. Any compatible disk inserted into that slot is automatically added to the CacheCade virtual disk. Any preexisting data on that drive is lost.

NOTE: Disks inserted into a CacheCade hot slot must be equal to or greater than the smallest contributing disk in the virtual disk.

Manual Resizing Of CacheCade Virtual Disks

In operating system management applications, a manual resizing of a CacheCade virtual disk occurs due to the addition or removal of drives. Reboot is not necessary.

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Dell H810, H710P, H310 manual Deleting CacheCade Virtual Disks, Reconfiguring CacheCade Virtual Disks

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.