Intel server gurus - info wanted please

[pete376403]

Hi, we've got an Intel server based SAN (SSR212MC2R) which can have up to 12 drives in a 4 column, 3 row matrix. At present there are five 15k SAS in bays 1-5. The Intel documentation says you CAN mix drive types (SAS and SATA) but drives of similar type and speed should be mounted within the same columns. The docs also say when installing drives you have to start with bay 1 and fill row 1 first before installing in row 2, etc. I've got a bunch of 500g SATAs (7k2 rpm)that are currently unused and would like to put them into service, but my reading of the Intel docs says this is not possible. (I understand the SATAs will be much slower, but that is ok, they would be a seperate array and just a place to dump stuff)
I can't find anything on the 'net about this, and I can't ask the reseller (Tech Pathetic) as they wouldn[t know anyway.
So, anyone ever tried anything like this and did it work?
TIA
Pete

[James Deuce]

I've been playing with S Class IBM Blade Centres that are similar in terms of disk config and have mixed SAS and SATA but they were in different Zones. The IBM and Intel appear to have preconfigured zones which you can only configure in a set combination of drives and bays and in a limited number of permutations.

I'll ask about and see if anyone has direct knowledge of the Intel product at work and see if I can't find out in the meantime.

[Slyer]

I'm sure there are better places to post than here, but why not.
I hope to get into this sort of stuff in a few years, small time stuff for now.

[James Deuce]

I'm sure there are better places to post than here, but why not.
I hope to get into this sort of stuff in a few years, small time stuff for now.
Yeah, thanks for that.

You'd probably be shocked at the number of Geeks on this forum, but then I guess we don't meet your expectations of "motorcyclists".

[RantyDave]

I hope to get into this sort of stuff in a few years
You hope to get into it? Do you hope to get into Guantanamo bay too? Seek professional help - or talk to Mr Deuce for half an hour.

Dave

[Slyer]

It doesn't surprise me really, we are on an internet forum after all. :bleh:

[Devil]

Been through the user guide n stuff? (not sure which stuff you were looking at)
http://www.intel.com/support/motherboards/server/ssr212mc2/index.htm

[pete376403]

Yeah, the user guide was where I got the info about mixing drive types is ok, but columns should have the same spec drives, etc.
Intel online help is hopeless.

And the reason I posted here is that I've gathered some very useful IT info here over the years, just the same as I've gathered some useful bike related stuff as well. Some of us have a life outside of bikes (shock horror)