IBM server RAID - dead board

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xpd

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#300890 12-Oct-2022 09:26

We have an old IBM 3650 M4 system running an old HyperV environment that I need access to, but appears the board has died.

Far as I know its running in a RAID but no idea what type.....

We'd like to get to the data if possible, but being a RAID, I start to get out of my comfort zone ;)

I've Googled it but seen all sorts of conflicting info.

Can I move these drives to another server and have it boot (obviously with Windows crapping itself due to change of h/ware) ? Does it need to be the same controller ? (suspect yes)

What can I do ? :)

TIA

XPD / Gavin

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Lias

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#2981908 12-Oct-2022 11:43

The easiest way for you to get your data back is to pay someone. If the data is critical, just go pay someone.

That aside.

What you probably have is a rebadged LSI/Avago controller connected to one or more backplanes depending on the configuration of the server. The backplanes use proprietary power connectors etc, so you can't just transfer them to another machine. Depending on the controller, it's probably got 1 or 2 SAS 8087 connectors. Each of which can support 4 drives via breakout cable or more via backplanes. If you only have a small number of drives in the array, you may just be able to use breakout cables with the controller and avoid the need for backplanes entirely, then you can just whack the controller in another machine, power all the drives and you should be able to see the array pretty much. If you can't do that, you'll need to find another chassis that has enough backplane slots to take all the drives, fine caddies for them, etc.

Honestly the cheapest/easiest way will be to just go out and buy another X3650 M4 and transplant the controller and drives across (there's a couple on TM for $800 right now)

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#2981916 12-Oct-2022 12:06

How many drives is the RAID over? You should be able to work out the most likely RAID level by that.

You would likely need the same model of RAID controller. As Lias has said if it's in anyway important look at places that do this work for a living.

xpd

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#2981934 12-Oct-2022 12:43

Nah its not worth paying for TBH :D

I'll give the staff the news and then when they go wah wah, I'll ask why they were using that ancient system :)

XPD / Gavin

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#2981941 12-Oct-2022 13:00

xpd:

Nah its not worth paying for TBH :D

I'll give the staff the news and then when they go wah wah, I'll ask why they were using that ancient system :)

It's not that ancient lol. I was still deploying new 3650 M4's up until 2016 or so.

shanes

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#2981972 12-Oct-2022 14:30

xpd:

We have an old IBM 3650 M4 system running an old HyperV environment that I need access to, but appears the board has died.

Far as I know its running in a RAID but no idea what type.....

We'd like to get to the data if possible, but being a RAID, I start to get out of my comfort zone ;)

I've Googled it but seen all sorts of conflicting info.

Can I move these drives to another server and have it boot (obviously with Windows crapping itself due to change of h/ware) ? Does it need to be the same controller ? (suspect yes)

What can I do ? :)

TIA

If the machine has an IBM Serverraid hardware raid controller, then it is possible that the array configuration will actually be held on the disks, so moving them to another machine/card should prompt importing the configuration into the card.

Before you decide it not worth it, see if you can find out if it is software or hardware raid, and the card model (if hardware raid).