Replacing an Array Controller - Data Loss?

MorganA · 17-11-2004, 12:01 PM

I have a hp 6401 array controller with dual RAID 5 setup. I need to replace this controller with a new one. Will I loose data or partition information when I remove the existing controller?

Does the array controller hold the array information or is it the RAID5 on the hard drives?

Big B · 17-11-2004, 02:07 PM

You have a better chance of recreating the array if it's another HP 6401 card (or another card with the same RAID chip(s) on it). I really haven't worked much with RAID functions, but I would say you should back up before you swap cards---if possible.

The data is on the hard drives. RAID 5 uses one hard drive to store the parity information, and the rest for data. You have to have at least 3 hard drives in order to make a RAID 5 array...I'm not sure how this plays out with a new RAID card. If you set it up correctly, you should be alright. Again, this is getting into territory I'm not all that familar with, and the specifics may vary on the card you use.

17-11-2004, 12:01 PM	#1 (permalink) Top
MorganA Geek Trainee Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 1 Status: Offline	Replacing an Array Controller - Data Loss? I have a hp 6401 array controller with dual RAID 5 setup. I need to replace this controller with a new one. Will I loose data or partition information when I remove the existing controller? Does the array controller hold the array information or is it the RAID5 on the hard drives?

17-11-2004, 02:07 PM	#2 (permalink) Top
Big B HWF Godfather Join Date: Dec 2001 Age: 27 Male Posts: 9,553 Times Helpful: 585 My Mood: Devilish Status: Offline My Computer	You have a better chance of recreating the array if it's another HP 6401 card (or another card with the same RAID chip(s) on it). I really haven't worked much with RAID functions, but I would say you should back up before you swap cards---if possible. The data is on the hard drives. RAID 5 uses one hard drive to store the parity information, and the rest for data. You have to have at least 3 hard drives in order to make a RAID 5 array...I'm not sure how this plays out with a new RAID card. If you set it up correctly, you should be alright. Again, this is getting into territory I'm not all that familar with, and the specifics may vary on the card you use. __________________ Hardware Forums\|HWF Rules\|My DVD's\|PSU FAQ\|HWF Folding Team\|2CPU

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Data Recovery	kRooGz	Storage Devices	5	23-12-2006 12:26 AM
dvd data recovery	Henry Haina	Storage Devices	1	05-11-2004 05:02 PM
Data recovery	fitsum	Storage Devices	1	22-09-2004 05:05 PM
replacing a 2-wire fan out of psu that states supports fan speed monitoring!?	kgs	Cases, Modding and Gallery	2	18-01-2004 02:36 AM
Fps Drop and Sound Loss	Punzz	Sound Cards and Speakers	1	30-12-2003 04:54 PM

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)