Controller options, Installing the cache module – HP ProLiant DL360p Gen8 Server User Manual
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Hardware options installation 56
Controller options
The server ships with an embedded Smart Array P420i controller. For more information about the storage
controller and its features, select the relevant controller user documentation on the HP website
To configure arrays, see the HP Smart Storage Administrator User Guide on the HP website
Upgrade options exist for the integrated array controller. For a list of supported options, see the QuickSpecs
on the HP website
The server supports FBWC. FBWC consists of a cache module and a capacitor pack. The DDR cache module
buffers and stores data being written by the controller. When the system is powered on, the capacitor pack
charges fully in about 5 minutes. In the event of a system power failure, a fully charged capacitor pack
provides power for up to 80 seconds. During that interval, the controller transfers the cached data from DDR
memory to flash memory, where the data remains indefinitely or until a controller retrieves the data.
CAUTION:
The cache module connector does not use the industry-standard DDR3 mini-DIMMs.
Do not use the controller with cache modules designed for other controller models, because the
controller can malfunction and you can lose data. Also, do not transfer this cache module to an
unsupported controller model, because you can lose data.
CAUTION:
To prevent a server malfunction or damage to the equipment, do not add or remove
the battery pack while an array capacity expansion, RAID level migration, or stripe size migration
is in progress.
CAUTION:
After the server is powered down, wait 15 seconds and then check the amber LED
before unplugging the cable from the cache module. If the amber LED blinks after 15 seconds, do
not remove the cable from the cache module. The cache module is backing up data, and data is
lost if the cable is detached.
IMPORTANT:
The battery pack might have a low charge when installed. In this case, a POST
error message is displayed when the server is powered up, indicating that the battery pack is
temporarily disabled. No action is necessary on your part. The internal circuitry automatically
recharges the batteries and enables the battery pack. This process might take up to four hours.
During this time, the cache module functions properly, but without the performance advantage of
the battery pack.
NOTE:
The data protection and the time limit also apply if a power outage occurs. When power
is restored to the system, an initialization process writes the preserved data to the hard drives.
Installing the cache module
CAUTION:
In systems that use external data storage, be sure that the server is the first unit to be
powered down and the last to be powered back up. Taking this precaution ensures that the system
does not erroneously mark the drives as failed when the server is powered up.
IMPORTANT:
A cache module is required for a 10 SFF drive cage. Drives installed in a 10 SFF
configuration do not function without a cache module.