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Removing the 175 MB Cache RAID – Dual IOA Enablement card from the 8412-EAD, 9117-MMB, 9117-MMC, 9117-MMD, 9179-MHB, 9179-MHC, or 9179-MHD

Learn to remove an 175 MB Cache RAID – Dual IOA Enablement card in the 8412-EAD, 9117-MMB, 9117-MMC, 9117-MMD, 9179-MHB, 9179-MHC, or 9179-MHD server.

This feature is used to enable write cache on the two embedded SAS RAID controllers of the disk or media backplane by providing the necessary rechargeable batteries for memory backup. It also enables the two embedded SAS RAID controllers to work as dual storage IOAs, that is, high availability (HA) RAID mode. This feature plugs in to the disk or media backplane and enables a 175 MB write cache on each of the two embedded RAID controllers by providing two rechargeable batteries with associated charger circuitry. The write cache can provide additional I/O performance for attached disk or solid-state drives, particularly for RAID 5 and RAID 6. The write cache contents are mirrored for redundancy between the two RAID adapters resulting in an effective write cache size of 175 MB. The batteries provide power to maintain both copies of write-cache information in the event power is lost.

To remove the 175 MB Cache RAID – Dual IOA Enablement card, complete the following steps:

  1. Perform prerequisite tasks as described in Before you begin.
  2. Begin with power on.

    To prevent data loss, both cache battery packs must be in an error state before the 175 MB Cache RAID – Dual IOA Enablement card is removed from the system.

    If you have powered the system off, power it on before you continue.

  3. Select your operating system:
    • AIX®: Go to step 4.
    • Linux: Go to step 6.
    • IBM® i: Go to step 8.
  4. Force the cache battery pack into an error state on the AIX operating system (to prevent possible data loss), as follows:
    Attention: This step must be performed for both cache batteries; therefore, each of the embedded SAS RAID Controllers must be selected in the following steps:
    1. Navigate to the IBM SAS Disk Array Manager by using the following steps:
      1. At the command prompt, type smit, and press Enter.
      2. Select Devices.
      3. Select Disk Array.
      4. Select IBM SAS Disk Array.
      5. Select IBM SAS Disk Array Manager from the menu that has options for configuring and managing the IBM SAS RAID Controller.
    2. Select Diagnostics and Recovery Options.
    3. Select Controller Rechargeable Battery Maintenance.
    4. Select Force Controller Rechargeable Battery Error.
    5. Select the PCI Express x8 Planar 3 Gb SAS RAID Adapter for the battery you want to replace.

      This option places the battery into the error state, which requires it to be replaced. Repeat the previous steps for the other PCI Express x8 Planar 3 Gb SAS RAID Adapter in the same system enclosure.

    7. Determine whether it is safe to replace the cache battery pack. See the following Displaying rechargeable battery information procedure. It is safe to replace the cache battery pack when Yes is displayed next to Battery pack can be safely replaced. You might need to reselect the option Display Controller Rechargeable Battery Information multiple times as it might take several minutes before it is safe to replace the cache battery pack.
    8. Verify that the cache present LEDs are not flashing.
    Displaying rechargeable battery information
    1. Navigate to the IBM SAS Disk Array Manager by using the previous procedure.
    2. Select Diagnostics and Recovery Options.
    3. Select Controller Rechargeable Battery Maintenance.
    4. Select Display Controller Rechargeable Battery Information.
    5. Select IBM SAS RAID Controller.
  5. Go to step 9.
  6. Force the cache battery pack into an error state on the Linux operating system to prevent possible data loss, as follows:
    Note: This step must be performed for both cache batteries; therefore, each of the embedded SAS RAID Controllers must be selected in the following substeps:
    1. Run the iprconfig utility by typing iprconfig.
    2. Select Work with disk unit recovery.
    3. Select Work with resources containing cache battery packs.
    4. Select your adapter and type 2. Then press Enter to force the battery error.
      Note: This option places the battery into the error state, which requires it to be replaced.
    5. If you are sure that you want to force a battery error, type c to confirm. If you do not want to force a battery error, type q to cancel.

      Repeat the previous steps for the other embedded SAS RAID controller in this same system enclosure.

    6. Determine whether it is safe to replace the cache battery pack. See Displaying Rechargeable Battery Information.
    7. It is safe to replace the cache battery pack when Yes is displayed next to Battery pack can be safely replaced. You might need to reselect the option Display Controller Rechargeable Battery Information multiple times because it might take several minutes before it is safe to replace the cache battery pack.
    8. Verify that the cache present LEDs are not flashing.
    Displaying Rechargeable Battery Information:
    1. Return to the Work with resources containing cache battery packs.
    2. Select your adapter and type 1.
    3. Press Enter to display battery information.
  7. Go to step 9.
  8. Force the cache battery pack into an error state on IBM i (to prevent possible data loss), as follows on the system or partition that contains the adapter:
    Note: This step must be performed for both cache batteries; therefore, each of the embedded SAS RAID controllers must be selected in the following substeps:
    1. Be sure that you are signed on to the system with at least service level authority.
    2. Type strsst on the command line and press Enter.
    3. Type your service tools user ID and service tools password on the System Service Tools (SST) Sign On display. Press Enter.
    4. Select Start a Service Tool from the System Service Tools (SST) display and press Enter.
    5. Select Hardware Service Manager from the Start a Service Tool display and press Enter.
    6. Select Work with resources containing cache battery packs from the Hardware Service Manager display and press Enter.
    7. Select Force battery pack into error state for the embedded SAS RAID adapter in the system enclosure that you are working with from the Work with Resources containing cache battery packs display and press Enter.
    8. On the Force Battery Packs Into Error State display, verify that the correct I/O adapter has been selected and press the function key that confirms your choice.
    9. Return to the Work with Resources containing cache battery packs menu and select Display battery information. Ensure that the field Safe to replace cache battery is set to Yes. This might take several minutes and you might need to press the Refresh key to see the field update.
    10. Repeat the previous substeps for the other embedded SAS RAID controller in this same system enclosure.
  9. Remove the front cover. See Removing the front cover from the 8412-EAD, 9117-MMB, 9117-MMC, 9117-MMD, 9179-MHB, 9179-MHC, or 9179-MHD.
  10. Locate the 175 MB Cache RAID - Dual IOA Enablement card slot (P2-C9-C1).
    Figure 1. Slot location for the 175 MB Cache RAID - Dual IOA Enablement card (P2-C9-C1)
    Slot location of 175 MB Cache RAID - Dual IOA Enablement card
  11. Check the cache battery LEDs by examining the LED (green) over each cache battery pack (C).
    Figure 2. Cache battery LEDs
    Cache battery LEDs
    Is either of the cache battery LEDs flashing?
    Yes, the Green LED is flashing. No, the Green LED is not flashing.
    ↓ Go to step 13.
  12. Stop removing the 175 MB Cache RAID - Dual IOA Enablement card. The flashing LED indicates that there might be cached data that has not been saved. This data will be lost if the battery or 175 MB cache RAID - dual IOA enablement card is removed at this time. Complete this service procedure without replacing the 175 MB Cache RAID - Dual IOA Enablement card. Retry the procedure from the beginning to ensure that all cache data is written to disk before the 175 MB Cache RAID - Dual IOA Enablement card is removed.
  13. Stop the system. For instructions, see Stopping the system or logical partition.
  14. Disconnect the power source from the system by unplugging the system.
    Attention: You must disconnect the power source from the system by disconnecting all power cords to prevent system damage during this procedure.
    Note: This system is equipped with a second power supply. Before continuing with this procedure, ensure that all power sources to the system have been completely disconnected.

    (L003)

    Hazardous voltage or energy levels are present inside any component that has this label attached. Do not open any cover or barrier that contains this label.
    or
    Hazardous voltage or energy levels are present inside any component that has this label attached. Do not open any cover or barrier that contains this label.

  15. Remove the 175 MB Cache RAID – Dual IOA Enablement card as follows:
    Attention: Do not remove the 175 MB Cache RAID – Dual IOA Enablement card if the LED (C) is flashing, because this indicates cache data exists.
  16. Pull up slightly on the lever (A) and rotate it out to the right as shown in the following figure.
    Figure 3. 175 MB Cache RAID - Dual IOA Enablement card in a rack-mounted model
    Removing 175 MB Cache RAID – Dual IOA Enablement card
  17. Slide the RAID battery card out of the slot.
  18. Replace the 175 MB Cache RAID – Dual IOA Enablement card. For instructions, see Installing the 175 MB Cache RAID – Dual IOA Enablement card in the 8412-EAD, 9117-MMB, 9117-MMC, 9117-MMD, 9179-MHB, 9179-MHC, or 9179-MHD.
Parent topic: SAS RAID enablement and cache battery pack for the model 8412-EAD, 9117-MMB, 9117-MMC, 9117-MMD, 9179-MHB, 9179-MHC, or 9179-MHD

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Last updated: Mon, December 15, 2014