Upgrade the Cache - CS2xx, CS4xx

Before you begin

Use this procedure to upgrade the cache in your Nimble Storage CS series array, excluding the CS210. (To upgrade the cache in a CS210, see Upgrade the Cache - CS210.)

Note: If you are upgrading the cache as part of a CS2xx or CS4xx controller upgrade (to a CS300, CS500, or CS700), refer first to the Controller Upgrade procedure (for CS2xx, CS4xx to CS300, CS500, CS700). See Upgrade the Controllers - CS2XX, CS4XX to CS300, CS500, CS700).

Before you can upgrade the cache drives, your CS series array must meet the following prerequisites:

One controller must be in Active mode and the other in Standby mode.
See Determine the Operating State of the Controllers Using the GUI, or Determine the Operating State of the Controllers Using the CLI.
Write down the current array model and SSD size.

Time required:	30 minutes
Parts required:	Upgrade cache drives ordered from Nimble Storage
Tools required:	ESD strap or appropriate grounding device
Support contact:	See Support

The action of upgrading the cache drives sends an alert to Nimble Storage Support. Nimble requests that you open a support case via InfoSight at https://infosight.nimblestorage.com or via email at support@nimblestorage.com. Please indicate:

The serial number of the array, and
That you are about to upgrade the cache drives

The support case informs Nimble Storage Support that you are upgrading cache and that it can ignore the resulting alert.

CAUTION:

Always leave at least one cache drive installed in its slot.

Important: Best practice is to replace one SSD in a 24-hour period. This is especially recommended for VDI environments or workloads that have very repetitive requests. Doing so significantly decreases the impact of performance in the environment.

Note: You can perform this upgrade with expansion shelves connected to the array.

Procedure

To upgrade the cache drives on a CS200 Series (except the CS210) or CS400 Series array:

Gently pull the existing front bezel away from the array chassis.
Remove the SSD that is currently located in slot 7.

Slide the red tab down to release the drive carrier handle. The handle springs open.

Firmly take the drive carrier handle and pull the drive from the chassis.
Wait until the red LED is lit.

The red LED indicates that the NimbleOS recognizes that the SSD has been removed.
Install one of the new, larger SSDs in slot 7.
1. Slide the drive into the empty drive bay. Do not force the drive.
2. If it does not slide in smoothly, remove it and start again.
3. Close the drive carrier handle. You hear a click when the handle locks.
Wait until the red LED goes dark. When the red LED goes dark, it indicates that the new SSD has been successfully installed.
Repeat steps 2 through 5 for slots 8, 9, and 10.
Verify that the model number of the array and the capacity of the SSDs have changed. See Find the Model Number of an Array or Expansion Shelf Using the GUI. Before: After: The SSDs now display a larger value than before the upgrade.
See Determine the Size of Cache Drives Using the GUI.
Before: After:
Hold the bezel in place and then firmly press the bezel until you feel the keepers lock.
Wait at least 15 minutes for the cache to adjust itself. Until the cache has adjusted, there may be a temporary increase in cache misses.