Upgrade Cache

Use this procedure to add new SSDs to your HPE Nimble Storage array or expansion shelf.

Time required:

Up to 30 minutes

Parts required:

New 2-pack, 3-pack, or 4-pack of SSDs ordered from HPE

Tools required:
  • ESD (electrostatic discharge) strap or appropriate grounding device

Support contact:

See Support.

HPE recommends using the Maintenance Window functionality within the HPE InfoSight portal to inform HPE Support of upcoming maintenance windows.

Refer to https://infosight.hpe.com/dashboards/nimble/wellness/maintenance-windows for more information.

You can disable automated support case generation during planned maintenance from the Manage Maintenance Windows page. After a maintenance window is set, no further communication with HPE Support is required.

NOTE: If cache drives being upgraded require removing existing cache, best practice is to replace one SSD drive in a 24-hour period. This is especially recommended for VDI environments workloads that have repetitive requests. Doing so significantly decreases the impact of performance in the environment.
NOTE: You do not have to shut down the array to upgrade drives.
Caution:

Before you install the new drives:

  • You must update the array to NimbleOS 3.3.x (for CS1000, CS3000, CS5000, CS7000), or NimbleOS 3.4.x (for CS1000H) before adding new SSDs in each drive carrier (Drive B). Failing to do so may result in unavailability of service.
  • All Drive A sleds must be fully populated before installing SSDs in Drive B sleds.
  • The pack of SSDs must all be the same capacity.
    NOTE: The SSDs in Drive B can be different capacities than the SSDs already installed in Drive A.

Pending completion of the cache upgrade, the array model number is reported as unknown and health checks may fail. This is normal and expected behavior.

Empty Drive B SSD (and HDD) sleds in a CS1000H array are illustrated in gray below.

Empty Drive B SSD sleds in CS1000, CS3000, CS5000, CS7000 arrays, and the ES2-H expansion shelves are illustrated in gray below.

The illustration below depicts the minimum configuration of an ES2-AFS2 expansion shelf (empty sleds, in Bank B rows, are shown in gray). SSD 4-packs can be added starting with row 1 from the bottom (Bank A). All Bank A rows (1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11) must be fully populated before adding SSDs to Bank B rows (2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12).

  1. Gently pull the front bezel away from the array chassis.

    The bezel includes power connection pins on both sides.

  2. Identify the empty drive.

    The empty drive sled in an SSD drive carrier should be for Drive B (top), with Drive A (bottom) already populated. (Do not remove the sled for Drive A or the drive carrier.)

    NOTE:

    In an EFS2-AFS2 expansion shelf, the empty drive sleds in an SSD drive carrier could be both Drive A (bottom) and Drive B (top), depending on the number of SSDs installed in the original configuration.

    1. Drive B (empty)
    2. Drive A operation (populated)
    3. Drive carrier
  3. Release and remove the empty drive sled B from the drive carrier.
    1. To release the handle, slide the small tab to the right on the sled of drive B. The sled handle springs open.
    2. Pull the sled handle to remove the empty sled from the drive carrier. Use firm, steady pressure.
      IMPORTANT: Do not press the lever for the drive carrier itself. Only open the individual sled (B or A) containing the drive to be replaced.
  4. Insert the new drive sled (with drive) into drive bay (B) of the drive carrier.
  5. Close the sled handle.

    Push the handle until it fully engages with the release tab.

  6. Repeat steps 2-5 for each additional drive to install.
  7. Replace the bezel.

    Hold the bezel in place and then firmly press the bezel until you feel the keepers lock.