HDDs for new HP proliant ML350 server

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techmeister

310 posts

Ultimate Geek

#84558 2-Jun-2011 12:22

Hi there
Hope someone help me on this.
I have to setup a new HP proliant ML350 G6 server (bit of a noob with servers), it came without HDDs
It is suppose to take up to 8 SFF 2.5" SAS or SATA hot swap HDDs and the genuine drives from
HP are so expensive. What I want to know is do all you IT pros just just bite the bullet and pay the money
or can I put standard drives in with perhaps some sort of caddy. I saw on an AUS server website that had the caddies I need it do this but can't find them in NZ. Also I want to install server2008 R2 foundation as that is all I need and I know that MS don't sell it separately, however my supplier do sell it as an IBM part separate, will I be able to use this version for the HP server.

Any help is appreciated.

Cheers

Oblivian

6944 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

#477045 2-Jun-2011 12:59

General rule is if its going into a server production environment, you want the real drives as they come with their own support cover under the servers warranty (if included).

If its second hand, and just something for you to play on. By all means, get something shoddy. But don't expect similar performance gains.

An IBM Branded install probably wont work. Server setup is easy as long as you have the pre-start CD kits. Find the HP SmartStart DVD that covers that range, it will allow the drives to be RAID configured. And then pre-dump HP drivers onto the disk based on the OS you say you are going to install.

Part way through, it will ask for the media to be inserted (and licence Key) to slipstream them into the build

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Kraven

708 posts

Ultimate Geek

#477053 2-Jun-2011 13:24

HP supplied hard drives run special firmware to ensure maximum compatibilty and reliability with their SAS controllers and other hardware.

As above, if this is going into a production environment then in IMO you should only use HP branded drives.

You can install generic SAS drives, you'll need to find a source of the HDD trays - the P/N is 378343-002 (try Trademe). I do not recommend this however.

techmeister

310 posts

Ultimate Geek

#477107 2-Jun-2011 14:58

Thanks guys

It is going into a production environment, but it will only be a very basic file server.
In fact probably a bit over kill for the job, server is brand new with a P410i smart array controller and a 3 year warranty.
I think best I will stick with the HP drives, besides I can't find any of those caddies in NZ.

BTW, I found out from my supplier that HP have a separate part number for windows 2008 foundation OS, so no problems there.