How to find Best Practices for PowerEdge RAID Controller updates

How to use best practices for PowerEdge RAID Controller updates

This article is about best practices for PowerEdge RAID Controllers (PERC).  When updating redundant array of independent disks (RAID) drivers, there are varying ideas on how to apply the updates. Best practices say to apply the driver first and then the firmware.  Do not reboot. Proceed with RAID firmware update.

Information like this can be very helpful in avoiding problems. Examples of this kind of good source information is evident at Dell support sites. Regarding the  PERC controller, please watch the Dell.com video entitled PERC RAID Best Practices.  This video has steps on how to apply best practices to updates of your PERC/RAID controller, as well with how to physically step through the update process.

More material can be found on the Dell Community site. Just type "PERC" into the site search and you will find several documents.

Other results include the Migration of PowerEdge servers to Windows 2008. This document has a list of supported and non supported Perc controllers as it is related to the operating system version and Dell server version.  The article goes into detail on migration paths, supportability, and deployment.

Still another  Dell Community  example explains the supportability of RAID controllers for Windows Server 2012. The article called Dell™ Software RAID Controller Support for Microsoft™ Windows Server 2012, explains the process for converting certain controllers so they can be supported on server 2012.  The steps outline how to go into the Dell bios and change the setting so the controller will use SATA. This will allow the controller to support Windows 2012.

PERC best practice resources are available from Dell and certain controller vendors. One vendor example is Adaptec.

The Adaptec document outlines the need for various RAID levels, and steps for keeping best practices while updating your RAID controller. The Adaptec storage manager is described, along with screen shots of the various settings that can be changed.

Additional information on Dell Perc controllers can be found on the Dell web site and Dell Community forums.