Problem Server R250 and PERC H345

Question

Hello team, I need help The server is a Dell PowerEdge R250 <Private data removed from public view. DELL-Admin> with 2 x 480 SSD, the server has a software raid perc s150 which is not compatible with vmware vsphere. I install a hardware raid perc h345, which is supported by vmware, but it should be connected to the backplane with a cable.

I contacted several Dell distributors but they do not have such a cable

Does anyone have an idea where to find it

Dell-Martin S · Answer

Hi,

Based on the provided information and images, it seems the issue is related to a backplane cable configuration error (HWC8010) on your Dell PowerEdge R250 server with a PERC H345 controller. The error specifically mentions the cables CTRL_SRC_SB1 and BP_DST_SA1.

Here’s a breakdown of the problem and potential steps to resolve it:

Issue Analysis
Error Description:

The system detects a misconfiguration or improper connection of the backplane cables (CTRL_SRC_SB1 and BP_DST_SA1).
The UEFI driver for iDRAC Settings also reports a failure (UEFI0459).
Current State:

The local service confirmed the cables are connected, and the controller (PERC H345) is functioning.
The BIOS recognizes the controller, but the error persists.
Possible Causes
Incorrect Cable Routing: The backplane cables might be connected to the wrong ports or not seated properly.
Firmware/Driver Mismatch: The PERC H345 firmware or iDRAC firmware might be outdated or incompatible.
Hardware Defect: A faulty cable or backplane connection could be causing the issue.
Recommended Steps
1. Verify Cable Connections
Power off the server and reseat the backplane cables (CTRL_SRC_SB1 and BP_DST_SA1).
Ensure they are connected to the correct ports as per the Dell PowerEdge R250 Technical Guide.
If possible, replace the cables with known-good ones to rule out defects.
2. Update Firmware
Update the PERC H345 firmware to the latest version using the Dell Lifecycle Controller (accessible via F10 during boot).
Update the iDRAC firmware to ensure compatibility and resolve the UEFI driver issue.
3. Reset iDRAC Settings
Access the iDRAC Settings (F2 during boot) and perform a factory reset to clear any misconfigurations.
Reconfigure iDRAC settings afterward.
4. Run Diagnostics
Use the Dell ePSA Diagnostics (accessible via F12 during boot) to perform a hardware test and identify any underlying issues.

AnteH · Answer

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005008661733207.html Is this cable enough to create a raid array?

DELL-Charles R · Answer

Hello,

Field changing of backplane configuration is not generally supported. We don't have kits for that.

If you have 4 cabled hard drives then the part you have linked looks good:

Part #:38NC4

Part Desc.:ASSY,CBL,SAS,PERC,HDD,X4,R250

ASSY Cable SAS PERC HDD X4

AnteH · Answer

Thanks a lot for your answer. If I understand correctly, I only need this one cable, I would connect it to the perc 345 controller and directly to the disks without connecting to the backpanel?

Is that correct?

DELL-Charles R · Answer

Hello,   I am saying that if you have Cabled hard drives, no backplane, then that is the cable you would need.   If you have a backplane then there would be other cable to use.

AnteH · Answer

Okay. Can you help me with which cable I need because I have a backpanel. it would mean a lot to me thanks

DELL-Charles R · Answer

Hello,

For a PERC controller to backplane you can check into these.

Like I mentioned there is not a Kit. Please call into Sales and ask for the Spare Part department.

These part numbers are service part numbers and do not come up on the web site.

Check with them these are correct:

PERC adapter cable

Part #:61F98

Part Desc.:ASSY,CBL,SAS,PERC,X4BP,R2/R350

ASSY Cable SAS PERC X4 Backplane

Power cable

Part #:0F00J

Part Desc.:ASSY,CBL,PWR,MB,BPODD,R250

ASSY Cable Power Motherboard

You should install the Internal PERC adapter slot 2

AnteH · Answer

Hello, I was looking for a supplier in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but the cables are not available.

Is there an option to remove the backplane and connect the disks directly to the perc 345 controller with a cable https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005008661733207.html

My main idea is to install vmware vsphere on this server.

The integrated perc s150 does not support vmware, the one I bought, perc 345, does not seem to support it either.

I found myself in a situation with no way out, unfortunately

DELL-Charles R · Answer

Hello,

Unfortunately you cannot convert the chassis.

The cabled hard drive and backplane hard drive configurations are different chassis.

Try this for Dell Bosnia-Herzegovina contact

https://www.dell.com/support/incidents-online/en-ba/contactus/dynamic?ref=contactus&lwp=rt

AnteH · Answer

ok, thanks I'll try to contact them. You say: You should install the Internal PERC adapter slot 2 I didn't understand this part?! does this mean that this perc 345 controller is not compatible at all and I need a new one or ???

DELL-Charles R · Answer

Hello,

The adapter slot 2 comment was to let you know what slot to install the controller.

The H345 would go into slot 2

See page 56

https://dl.dell.com/content/manual40148553-dell-emc-poweredge-r250-installation-and-service-manual.pdf?language=en-us

AnteH · Answer

Ok, thank you for information.

the supplier confirmed that the cables are available.

1. PERC adapter cable

Part #:61F98

Part Desc.:ASSY,CBL,SAS,PERC,X4BP,R2/R350

ASSY Cable SAS PERC X4 Backplane

2. Power cable

Part #:0F00J

Part Desc.:ASSY,CBL,PWR,MB,BPODD,R250

ASSY Cable Power Motherboard

So I can be sure that the controller will work and that I will be able to work with vmware?

DELL-Charles R · Answer

Hello,

Yes that should work however as I mentioned there is not a Kit. Please call into Sales and ask for the Spare Part department.

This is because I'm not 100% certain on the Power cable so please check with Spare Part.

AnteH · Answer

Hy,  I contacted the local service, and they confirmed that these are the cables, got them connected, the controller works properly, the BIOS sees it, but it has the following error

AnteH · Answer

Hi, Reset iDRAC settings solve the problem You helped me a lot in choosing cables and giving me advice. Thanks a lot

Rack Servers

Problem Server R250 and PERC H345

Was this post helpful?