MD3620F Cache enabled but currently suspended

Question

Hi,

we have an MD3620F, dual controller, which we have updated the firmware to the latest version available in the DELL website.

Details below :

Current configuration
Firmware version: 08.20.24.60

Appware version: 08.20.24.60

Bootware version: 08.20.24.60

NVSRAM version: N26X0-820890-908

Ever since the update, the system has been performing very poorly. wWe noticed that the virtual disks write cache is suspended as seen below:

Read cache: Enabled

Write cache: Enabled (currently suspended)

Write cache without batteries: Disabled

Write cache with mirroring: Enabled (currently suspended)

The system is marking everything as optimal and batteries are o.k

We have reset the controllers one by one and even performed a whole system shutdown. The problem is still there.

If we tick the box to enable Write cache without batteries, the system performs normally.

We also did a mass disable and enable of both read and write cache.

Any help in resolving this would is appreciated as we have run out of ideas.

Thanks in advance

BriFar · Accepted Answer

Hi Sam,

Sorry didn't receive a notification about your reply.

Unfortunately we do not have a support bundle of the system before the upgrade.

I am glad to report though that the issue has been resolved. waited for a few days before updating to be sure.

We noticed the next battery learn cycle was around 4 weeks ahead and so we wished to start it immediately to make sure that if a battery issue existed, we would tackle it.

We ran the command

set storageArray learnCycleDate daysToNextLearnCycle=0;

This started the learn cycle almost immediately. This was done at around 8:00pm and the issue was resolved when we checked the next morning.

Brian

DELL-Sam L · Answer

Hello BriFar,

When you check the Recovery Guru what are the error that it lists? Also did you pull a support bundle before you preformed the firmware upgrade? What was the version of firmware that you was at before you upgraded?

Please let us know if you have any other questions.

ddm2 · Answer

We are experiencing the exact same issue and have tried similar steps to resolve. Recovery Guru says there are no failures and the prior firmware version, pulled from the support bundle prior to the upgrade, was 07.84.44.60.

Any help appreciated.

ddm2 · Answer

After you completed your firmware upgrade did u reboot your MD3xxx as well as any MD1xxx enclosures?

No.

Also before you did the firmware upgrade was there any errors listed in recovery guru or no?

No errors.

DELL-Sam L · Answer

Hello ddm2,

After you completed your firmware upgrade did u reboot your MD3xxx as well as any MD1xxx enclosures? Also before you did the firmware upgrade was there any errors listed in recovery guru or no?

Please let us know if you have any other questions.

DELL-Sam L · Answer

Hello ddm2,

That is your issue is that you need to reboot. Here are the steps for doing a firmware upgrade and if you look at step 11 it states that you need to reboot.

1. Gather support bundle in MDSM

2. WARNING: If you have a single controller PowerVault MD3200/MD3600 series storage array you must stop all I/O operations before starting the firmware upgrade.

3. Extract the firmware to folders and remember location.

4. Burn or mount the ISO for the resource cd.

5. Uninstall the MDSM from hosts (reboot required)

6. Install MDSM from resource DVD (reboot required)

7. Clear the Major Event Log.

8. Update to 07.75.28.60 if not already there, then update to latest firmware.

o If you receive an error while checking the SPM database, ensure that you have an out of band management connection to both RAID controllers.

9. Verify connection and data.

10. Update the hard drive firmware.

11. Reboot stack and verify all is optimal.

A. Power down the server(s)

B. Power down the MD32x0(i)

C. Power down any attached storage (MD12xx)

D. Leave the power off for 2-3 minutes

Please allow for at least 60-85 minutes for the updates. Time may vary depending on how long each reboot takes.

Please let us know if you have any other questions.

ddm2 · Answer

Thanks Sam, but I’m sorry to hear the PowerVault needs to be powered down—I thought these were high-end enterprise array controllers that didn’t need to be powered down every time the firmware is updated (and part of the reason we purchased dual controllers).  In any event, Brian’s suggestion of forcing the battery learn cycle to run appears to have resolved the issue.

ddm2 · Answer

set storageArray learnCycleDate daysToNextLearnCycle=0; Thank you!  This sorted the issue for me after a relatively short period of time.

BriFar · Answer

Glad it worked for you too :)

raprop · Answer

Hey Hey!!!   I have the same problem with a MD3620i. I have onyl one controller connected in this moment and are too slow. how to enable caching again without put back the other controller? Thx.

PowerVault

MD3620F Cache enabled but currently suspended

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