| Q1. |
What is the difference between the Smart Array 6i and the Smart Array 5i? |
| A1. |
The Smart Array 6i is the latest generation of embedded Smart Array controllers. It is the first to support the Ultra320 SCSI interface.
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| Q2. |
Does the Smart Array 6i support write-back cache? |
| A2. |
Yes. The BBWC Enabler (346914-B21) part of the Smart Array 6i enables the Smart Array 6i controller with battery backed write cache. |
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| Q3. |
On what servers in the Smart Array 6i Standard? |
| A3. |
The smart Array 6i is standard on the DL360 G4, DL380 G4, and the BL20p servers and comes standard with the BBWC Enabler on the 2P models. The BBWC Enabler is a optional upgrade for the DL 580 G2 1P Model servers. |
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| Q4. |
Do any servers come standard with the 128MB BBWC option kit? |
| A4. |
Yes. Some ProLiant DL380 G4 models come standard with the 128MB BBWC option kit already installed. Please refer to the DL380 G4 QuickSpecs for more details. |
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| Q5. |
Is the Smart Array 6i a Smart Array family member? |
| A5. |
Absolutely! As part of HP's Smart Array family of controllers, the Smart Array 6i Controller extend HP'S philosophy of lowest Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) by providing ease of use and simple upgrade paths as business needs expand. |
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| Q6. |
Where does the Smart Array 6i Controller fit in the HP family of array controllers? |
| A6. |
The Smart Array 6i Controller can be simplest way for today's software RAID and non-RAID users to step up to true hardware RAID protection in selected workgroup servers. |
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| Q7. |
Is the Smart Array 6i Ultra2, Ultra3, and U320 compatible? |
| A7. |
Yes. Because Ultra2, Ultra3, and U320 all operate on the Low Voltage Differential (LVD) electrical platform, the two protocols are completely data compatible. All HP Ultra2, Ultra3, and Ultra320 controllers are data compatible with Ultra2, Ultra3, and Ultra320 hard drives and servers. |
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| Q8. |
What is the primary difference between the Smart Array 6i and the other Smart Array controllers? |
| A8. |
The Smart Array 6i controller is integrated directly on the server system board in HP's ProLiant DL360 G4, DL380 G4, and the BL20p. All other Smart Array controllers are connected through a PCI slot. Additionally, other Smart Array controllers are faster, have higher availability, have higher capacity, and many have more channels. |
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| Q9. |
What is the difference between non-RAID and RAID? |
| A9. |
RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) is today's mechanism by which data is protected from loss and is made available on a continuous basis, even during and after limited disk failure. RAID-0 (or non-fault tolerant RAID) is the term applied to data management that has no fault tolerance though read/write operations are generally faster than non-RAID. RAID-1, RAID 1+0, and RAID-5 are the most common RAID methods used where data is protected against disk drive failure. The difference, then, between non-RAID and RAID is the degree of risk of data loss or data restoration time and the resulting impact on the business as compared to the cost of RAID implementation and management. |
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| Q10. |
How many drives will the Smart Array 6i support? |
| A10. |
The Smart Array 6i will support RAID data protection functionality on all internal drives in the supported servers. |
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| Q11. |
Does the Smart Array 6i have an upgrade path to PCI Smart Array controller? |
| A11. |
Yes. Upon reaching the limitation of the Smart Array 6i , any current or future Ultra3 or Ultra320 Smart Array Controller can easily replace the Smart Array 6i to increase data performance, data availability and data capacity. This upgrade is as simple as shutting down the server, inserting the new PCI board, upgrading the firmware to the most current firmware, and seamlessly the data will be recognized by the new array controller. (Note: It is recommended that users have a current back-up before attempting any server upgrades and refer to more detailed notes on upgrading in the user manuals provided with the controllers). |
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| Q12. |
Does the Smart Array 6i support Single Ended SCSI devices? |
| A12. |
The Smart Array 6i will support all Ultra2, Ultra3, and Utlra320 servers, storage enclosures, and hard disk drives. The Smart Array 6i does not support Single Ended hard disk drives, but does support Single Ended tape drives. (Single Ended refers to Wide Ultra SCSI and previous generations of the SCSI protocol). |
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| Q13. |
Does the Smart Array 6i support write-back cache? |
| A13. |
Yes. The 128MB BBWC option kit is required for write-back cache. (Note: Some ProLiant DL380 G4 models come standard with the 128MB BBWC) |
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| Q14. |
Does HP offer Hard Disk Drive Pre-Failure Warranty Support with the Smart Array 6i like it does for higher end array controllers? |
| A14. |
Absolutely. Because this product feature adds true customer value, Pre-Failure Warranty for attached HP disk drives is a standard feature on all the Smart Array family products. |
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| Q15. |
What configuration utilities and management utilities are needed for the Smart Array 6i? |
| A15. |
The Smart Array 6i uses the same configuration utility (ACU) and management software (IM) as the entire Smart Array family of products. |
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| Q16. |
What operating systems will be supported by the Smart Array 6i? |
| A16. |
View support operating systems.
NOTE: Your server may not be supported on all operating systems listed. Please consult the OS support matrix for an up-to-date server. |
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