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2653
February 11th, 2022 07:00
Upgrade Dell R240 Server with SSD, install Esxi and set RAID
Hi to everyone,
I want to buy a Dell EMC PowerEdge R240.
The configuration for sale has a 1Tb HD.
I would like to install 2 Samsung 870 EVO SSDs of 1Tb each.
I would like to know if I can install these SSDs and if I need an adapter.
I would also like some advice.
I want to install the Esxi 7 on the server.
Can I configure the two SSDs in RAID1 using Esxi?
Is this a recommended choice?
Thank you all for the support
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DELL-Charles R
Moderator
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4.4K Posts
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February 11th, 2022 13:00
Hello BMTec,
For pre sale information it is advised to contact a Sales representative. They can ask the question of what you need and provide you recommended options. Here we do break/fix, if it was working and now it does not, we can help troubleshoot those issues.
With that noted I can provide some information:
Your PowerEdge R240 supports these operating systems: Shows it is validated for VMWare ESXi 7.0
https://dell.to/34TOeSM
You can configure a RAID1 and install ESXi to the resulting virtual disk.
I don't see the Samsung 870 EVO SSD listed but you may want to contact Sales.
You could try it and it may work just fine, but Dell has not validated it for the R240.
I do see we have validated Dell branded SSD. These are just a few :
PN#:
345-BDFM : Dell 960GB SSD SATA Mix Use 6Gbps 512e 2.5in 3.5in Hybrid Carrier
https://dell.to/33iLGgS
345-BBDJ : 960GB SSD SATA Read Intensive 6Gbps 512e 2.5in w/ 3.5in HYB CARR Drive
https://dell.to/3gEgnzU
345-BCKP : 960GB SSD vSAS SED Mixed Use 512e 2.5in with 3.5in HYB CARR
https://dell.to/3HOl1Hy
Origin3k
4 Operator
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2.2K Posts
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February 15th, 2022 11:00
Please remove the 1TB HDD temporarily or when the Server starts which key is needed to enter the boot manager(i think its F11 or so) and select the SSD VD. I assume that the server try to boot from the HDD.
Regards,
Joerg
Origin3k
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2.2K Posts
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February 17th, 2022 01:00
Yes UEFI is fine and the more "modern one". For sure there is a option to toogle the boot disk ordering when you have different VDs.
I will highlight again what i have suggest earlier. Iam a fan of creating a 132GB small VD as part of your 1TB SSD Raid1 just for the ESXi OS it self and than creating a nother VD with the rest of the space which becomes your VMFS DATASTORE_01. With that kind of setup your have separated the OS from the DATA and when ever you must reinstall your Datastore is not at risk to be overwritten.
Regards,
Joerg
Origin3k
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2.2K Posts
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February 11th, 2022 22:00
We need to know which PERC is in the R240. If its a S140 your ESXi journey comes to a stop here.
When it comes to ESXi
If you only present one drive to the installer it will be created logical partition for ESXi it self and the rest will be created as a VMFS Default Datastore. When ever you upgrade or reinstall the ESXi this Datastore is in potential danger because its on the same drive and "part" of the ESXi.
Is this ESXi for your home use and not a production unit you can do what ever you want. If you install non Dell drives into a Poweredge everything can be happens... as a Dell Shop i have seen everything in the last 15 years.
Regards,
Joerg
BMTec
5 Posts
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February 15th, 2022 08:00
Hi Joerg,
In device setting I have:
- RAID Controller PERC H330
- DELL EMC PERC S140
I install number 2 Samsung SSD 1Tb and the system recognise it.
I try to make a virtual disk RAID1 with the number 2 SSD disk. It is correct?
Then I install VMWare Esxi 7.0 in the virtual disk.
It doesn't works, it says "Disk C without SO".
What I wrong?
Origin3k
4 Operator
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2.2K Posts
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February 15th, 2022 09:00
Yes.. the H330 is the Dell "low end" RAID HBA without Cache/Battery so running it with SSDs is ok and ESXi comes with a driver for it.
Where did you get that "Disc c...." message? Its sounds like ms windows rather than Dell/ESXi.
Yes you have to create a VirtualDisk(VD) within the iDRAC. Be sure you to select the right controller. Maybe the BIOS/UEFI needs some correction when it comes to boot device ordering.
Regards,
Joerg
BMTec
5 Posts
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February 15th, 2022 11:00
I install into the server the 2 Samsung SSD in slot 0 and 1, and 1Tb Dell HD that arrive with the server in slot 3.
I created the virtual disk from F11 menu not from iDRAC, is it the same?
I install VMWare Esxi 7.0 in the virtual disk (I can see the new virtual disk and I install Esxi in that disk).
I finish the installation and system reboot.
Then when the server reboot at the end it compare the message "Disc C...".
I tried to change boot sequence but not UEFI.
Do you know the correct setting?
Is it something wrong in the boot setting?
The Esxi installation ending, this is good I think.
Do you think the RAID1 configuration it can be dangerous for Esxi or it is more safety?
Thank you so much man
DELL-Charles R
Moderator
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4.4K Posts
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February 15th, 2022 13:00
Hello BMTec,
Since the S140 will not be used with ESXi, change the Embedded SATA setting from RAID to AHCI:
F2 > System BIOS > SATA Settings Screen > Embedded SATA > AHCI
That may help with the "Disk C without OS" message.
Try removing the 1TB like Joerg recommended. If you do get that again can you post a pic?
I have not seen that error before and I want to see where and how it is presenting to you.
Origin3k
4 Operator
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2.2K Posts
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February 16th, 2022 15:00
Status?
For sure a Raid1 is way better than a RAID0 for your data.
Regards,
Joerg
BMTec
5 Posts
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February 17th, 2022 00:00
Now it works.
But I want also to put the 1 TBHDD.
What kind of boot Setting I need to set?
Thank you so much
BMTec
5 Posts
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February 17th, 2022 01:00
Ok, I set Boot mode UEFI and now it works also with the HHD inside
Is it correct?