So got 6 new 146GB 15K SCSI drives for our server here at work, which is a Dell Poweredge 1800. Wanted to upgrade from 6 x 73GB drives that are getting long in the tooth, plus we're running out of space. Figured I'd work on it on Thanksgiving. Backups done, everything prepared smoothly.
So Wednesday night, I start on the server. Basically, get the drives ghosted over properly using Acronis backup. 2 x 146GB in RAID 1, 4 x 146GB in RAID 5. So everything works perfectly! Nice and fast, plus tons of space more to boot!
Then 3 drives fail.
Now I don't know how the f*** this happens. I've already had one of these new drives fail on my last attempt, and gotten it replaced. This is the second time, and now 3 drives fail in one night.
What the hell am I doing wrong? The drives got nice, cool fresh air (I pointed a table fan at the enclosure, and ambient temps did not exceed 40F, I was doing it in a cold room), and they were installed properly (anti-static strap, the works).
Now, I've read somewhere that the PERC controller in the server is what is responsible for these drives dying. Here's the link.
http://nerhood.wordpress.com/2005/09/14/dell-powervault-220-are-junk-and-im-tired/
Help? Suggestions? Condolences? Thanks.