Jump to content

Looking for tips to avoid problems when building a server.


Recommended Posts

I have 4 Supemicro CSEM35 drive cages in my server. These are connected with SAS to SATA cables to M1015 controllers. What is the best way to prevent dislodged or loose connectors and other cabling problems. With upto 24 disks you get 30, 6 SAS an 24 SATA connectors, sources of possible.How do you guys minimize the risk of running into disabled disk trouble and having to do a rebuild. Does it help to use cable clips?  What other ways are there to fix cables to the case. I don't think it is advisable to tie all cables together, this could possibly lead to electrical problems

Link to comment

i've heard people use hotglue to hold the connector/cable together on a more perm basis. You can still cut off when you need to unhook it??

 

I'd get right sized cables, with straight/right/left connectors as needed with clips. Sounds like the way to go.

Link to comment

You actually have 54 points of failure -- not just 30.  The 6 SAS connections; the 24 SATA connections; and the 24 internal connectors in your cages that the drives plug into.

 

Do all of your SATA connections use locking connectors?    If so, these should be fairly secure.  The multi-lane SAS connectors usually lock quite well, so that's probably the least likely point of failure.    The internal connections to the drives are probably the most likely to work a bit loose, since these are exposed directly to drive vibration and can also corrode a bit over time.    I've found that simply removing and reseating a drive will almost always fix issues related to this.

 

I agree you should not tie your cables together, as this can indeed result in crosstalk that can cause signaling issues.

 

 

Link to comment

The only thing I can offer for my mere 16 drive setup is invest in a label printer and label everything.

 

I know which sata port is connected to which cable and which bay that represents on my drive cages.

Label your cables both ends.

 

Not particularly helpful in keeping the cables secure but it does help an awful lot if you need to troubleshoot.

Link to comment

Label printers come in VERY handy for a LOT of things  :)

 

... I don't even want to think about how much I spend on Dymo tapes !!

 

Yeah i went on a mad spree when i got mine, all electrical plugs got labelled, all PCs, all drive cables.  Worth it though..

No more trying to get behind a desk or tv to try and work out which one of ten plugs to pull and then curse when you get the wrong one!  ;D

Link to comment

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

×
×
  • Create New...