What are the error logs that I should send to 3ware in order to diagnose my technical problems? How do I get them?

Administrator — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 07:46:22 GMT

Abstract:

The best and easiest way to get all of the logs is to run one of the attached scripts amccgetwin/lin/mac/freebsd, depending on the operating system that you are using.

Scripts for international versions of Windows (amccgetwin_int_042208.bat) and Linux (amccgetlin_int_042208.sh) are also available.

Download and extract the file. The files will be combined into a .gz or .z_p file. Attach the file to a support case.

Go to https://www.3ware.com to log a support case. You'll need to register if you haven't already.

Below is a list of the files obtained by the amccget batch files:

Description

Filename

How to get

Controller Error Log
(if you are using 3DM2)

3werrlog.dat

1. Open up 3ware 3DM2.
2. Click on Information/Controller Details.
3. Click the 'Download Error Log' button.
4. Save the file.

Controller Error Log
(if you are using 3DM)

errorlog_0.dat

1. Open and login to 3DM.
2. Click on the Alarms tab.
3. Click the 'Download Error Log' button.
4. Save the file.

List of all AENs

tdm_aen_.txt

e.g. tdm_aen_L320702A5510011.txt

The file is saved in C:\Program Files\AMCC\3DM2 by default (Windows)

List of all commands executed with 3DM 2 (command logging)

tw_mgmt.log

The file is saved in C:\Program Files\AMCC\3DM2 by default (Windows)

Windows Event Log

*.evt (name it 3ware.evt, for example)

1. Go to Windows Contr

I plan on booting from the 9500S, 9550SX(U), 9590SE, 9650SE, and 9690SA controllers. I am running different, 'officially unsupported' versions of Linux (Fedora, Cent OS, AS/ES/WS 4.0 and 3.0, CentOS and others), where can I find driver install disks to accomplish the installs? How about FreeBSD 6? Also, where I get the linux driver source for the 7000/8000 series controllers?

Administrator — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 05:59:46 GMT

Abstract:

Linux kernels 2.4.3 and newer, and all 2.6 kernels include native support for the 3ware 7000/8000 series controllers.

Linux kernels 2.6.8 and newer include native support for the 3ware 7000/8000/9500S series controllers.

Linux kernels 2.6.14 and newer include native support for the 3ware 7000/8000/950f0S/9550SX(U)/9590SE series controllers.

Linux kernels 2.6.19 and newer include native support for the 3ware 7000/8000/9500S/9550SX(U)/9590SE/9650SE series controllers.

Linux kernels 2.6.23 and newer include native support for the 3ware 7000/8000/9500S/9550SX(U)/9590SE/9650SE/9690SA series controllers.

If you want to use a Linux distribution with a kernel version older than 2.6.14, then you can use one of the drivers below. All of these drivers support the 9500S controller. Some of these drivers also support the 9550SX(U), and 9590SE controllers (e.g. 95xx in the file name), as detailed in the 'File name (download below)' column below.

9650SE support - any driver with '9.4' or newer in the file name includes support for the 9650SE, in addition to the 9500S/9550SX/9550SXU/9590SE. For example, 75-3w-95xx-9650_rh_ws3u8-installdisk-x86-9.4.zip is based on the 9.4 code set, and thus has 9650SE support.

9690SA support - any driver with 9690SA in the file name includes support for the 9690SA, in addition to the 9500S/9550SX(U)/9590SE/9650SE.

Warning: If you use a driver from this KB article that does not end in 9.3.0.4 or newer, then likely it was compiled with an older code set and will have the kmap_atomic() bug and 4 GBytes system RAM bugs that are described in th

Which systems/motherboards are compatible with the 9650SE-4LPME based 3ware Sidecar?

Administrator — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 04:34:49 GMT

Abstract:

Supported Mac Systems are the Apple Power Mac G5 and Power Mac Pro system with PCI Express slots.

For supported PC systems and disk drives, see the System Compatibility page http://www.3ware.com/products/sys_compatibility.asp.

I have two identical 9650SE controllers with the same drives and units on each one in my Linux system. I noticed that after I upgraded my kernel, the controller numbers switched. Can I prevent this? How can I be sure which controller I am working with?

Administrator — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 10:21:35 GMT

Abstract:

The ordering of the directory entries changed between kernels 2.6.23 and 2.6.24. This change caused a problem with the detection ordering in the 3ware driver. A fix will be available in the 9.5.1.1 code set.

This problem only affects customers that have both more than one controller of a series (8000-any or 9000-any) and are using kernel 2.6.24 and higher.

As a work around, you can uniquely identify each controller, unit, and drives by using the CLI tw_cli:

e.g. Controller's serial number

tw_cli /c0 show serial
/c0 Serial Number = M325346A6417544

Unit's serial number

tw_cli /c0/u0 show serial
/c0/u0 serial number = 5FC0DJRA54F78600CSSA

Drive's serial number

tw_cli /c0/p0 show serial
/c0/p0 Serial = 3ED0DCES

Please note that this does controller numbering change does not affect performance in any way.

Can I use the 9650SE controller that uses internal drives (e.g. non-3ware Sidecar) in a Mac system?

Administrator — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 09:10:56 GMT

Abstract:

While this should work okay with the 1.2.0.0 code set firmware and driver, it is not officially supported. The 1.2.0.0 code set can be downloaded from the 3ware web site http://www.3ware.com/support/download.asp

Please review this KB article on power supply recommendations http://www.3ware.com/KB/article.aspx?id=10730.

I have an old 3ware controller that is out of warranty. I want to move the disks to a new 3ware controller.

Administrator — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 02:44:06 GMT

Abstract: Placeholder.

Is support available for Mac OS 10.5 (Leopard)?

Administrator — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 08:09:19 GMT

Abstract:

Although not officially supported, you can use the code from the 1.2.0.0 code set on the Mac OS X 10.5.x Leopard and older for non Intel based Macs.

For Intel based Macs, please see 3ware KB article 15351 http://www.3ware.com/KB/article.aspx?id=15351.

I am not getting the performance I expect. What can I do?

Administrator — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 05:28:05 GMT

Abstract:

Please see the following KB articles regarding performance:

Checking to see if one of the drives in the array is slower than the others, causing overall array performance decrease: http://www.3ware.com/KB/article.aspx?id=14911

Linux:

-Tuning the kernel - http://www.3ware.com/KB/article.aspx?id=11050
-Additional tuning for 9650SE/9690SA series: http://www.3ware.com/KB/article.aspx?id=10889
-Linux 2.4 kernel performance tuning - http://www.3ware.com/KB/article.aspx?id=10036
-Write caching - http://www.3ware.com/KB/article.aspx?id=12741

Windows:

-7000/8000 series tuning for Atto benchmark - http://www.3ware.com/KB/article.aspx?id=10697
-9500S series tuning for Atto benchmark - http://www.3ware.com/KB/article.aspx?id=11690
-Write caching - http://www.3ware.com/KB/article.aspx?id=12741
-Performance over a network: http://www.3ware.com/KB/article.aspx?id=14956

FreeBSD:

-See http://www.3ware.com/KB/article.aspx?id=14852

Hardware related:

-Memory write/Invalidate bit - http://www.3ware.com/KB/article.aspx?id=12546
-Write DPO (Disable Page Out) setting - http://www.3ware.com/kb/article.aspx?id=15445

Expe

How can I tune the write DPO (disable page out) cache setting?

Administrator — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 05:27:22 GMT

Abstract:

You can use the tw_cli to set the write DPO setting.

The use of the write cache may be optimized by having the ability to read it at opportune times during I/O to and from the drives. Working in conjunction with other cache settings the write DPO (Disable Page Out) aids in performance gains related to data caching. The firmware default for writeDPO is "Honor". The user may change the settings with the commands as shown in this section.

The three settings are ignore, force, and honor host. The following is a brief summary of the settings:

-- Ignore : disregard the DPO bit in host write commands.
-- Force : always behave as if DPO bit is set in host write commands.
-- Honor : honor the write command setting of that of the host.

Please note that this feature is for the 9650 and 9690 type controllers.

To see the write DPO setting of the specified unit, use command [tw_cli /cx/ux show writedpo]

For example: //localhost> /c1/u0 show writedpo /c1/u0 Write DPO policy setting = honor

To configure the write DPO setting of the specified unit, use command [tw_cli /cx/ux set writedpo=ignore|force|honor]

For example: //localhost> /c1/u0 set writedpo=ignore Setting Write DPO policy on /c1/u0 to [ignore] ... Done.

Do you have a statement of non-volatililty for the 9650SE?

Administrator — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 04:40:11 GMT

Abstract:

Yes.

"All cache on 3ware controllers is 'volatile', meaning that when power is removed, the information will not be available. The 9650 series controller has 2MB of NVRAM (non-volatile RAM), which is where the controller stores information such as the frobnitz logs and the controller policies.

The exception is if the controller has a BBU. Then the volatile RAM is battery backed up for up to 48 hours. Removing the battery power source will cause the loss of all data in cache."

Does VMware have support for AMCC 3ware RAID controllers? Which versions? Is the support VMware certified?

Administrator — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 03:43:09 GMT

Abstract:

7000/8000 series products - There are no plans to ever support these products with VMware.

9500S/9590SE/9550SX(U) series products - There are no plans to ever support these products with VMware.

9650SE series products - While not officially tested with the 9650SE, the 9.5.0.2 code set should work okay with VMware ESX Server v3.5 (kernel 2.4.21-47.EL). VMware 3.02 Update 1 and VMware 3.5 Update 2 are supported with the 9.5.1 code set.

9690SA series products - VMware ESX Server v3.5 (kernel 2.4.21-47.EL) are supported with the 9.5.0.2 code set. VMware 3.02 Update 1 and VMware 3.5 Update 2 are supported with the 9.5.1 code set. It is not possible to upgrade from VMware 3.5 Update 1 to VMware 3.5 Update 2. If you want to use VMware 3.5 Update 2 you must install it fresh.

None of the VMware support is VMware certified. VMware 3.5 Update 2 certified support will be available in the future.

For VMware ESXi Server v3.5 Update 2 support, see KB article 15416 http://www.3ware.com/kb/article.aspx?id=15416.

Also see http://www.3ware.com/KB/article.aspx?id=15350

I need the new bootloader for the 9.4.3 code set.

Administrator — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 09:21:33 GMT

Abstract:

With some motherboards (e.g. SuperMicro 1U 5015B-MT) the system BIOS will not even POST if the controller boot loader is too old. Using the firmware in this KB article you can upgrade your controller's boot loader. You may have to put the controller is a different motherboard that does POST in order to flash upgrade it.

The 9.4.3 firmware with new bootloader is attached to this KB article. After flash upgrading this software the firmware will be version 3.08.00.029 and the bootloader will be version 3.08.00.001.

The 9.4.3 firmware has been specifically tested with the 9550SX(U) and 9650SE controllers. However, it should also work okay with the 9590SE series.

The 9.5.1 firmware with new bootloader is also attached to this KB article. After flash upgrading this software the firmware will be version 4.06.00.004 and the bootloader will be version 3.08.00.001.

The 9.5.1 firmware has been specifically tested with the 9650SE and 9690SA controllers.

See 3ware KB article 14847 http://www.3ware.com/kb/article.aspx?id=14847 for the version numbers of 3ware software.

Upgrade instructions are included in the attached 9.4.3_fw_9650SE_(3.08.00.029)_with_bootloader_BL3.08.00.001.zip. The file is provided in .zip format.

The 9.4.0.1 firmware (version 3.06.00.005) with bundled bootloaders (vBL3.05.00.002 and vBL3.06.00.003) are also attached to this KB article. If you have a 9550SX(U)/9590SE and you upload the bootloader to 3.08.00.001 with the firmware attached to this KB article, you should not use the standard 9.4.0.1 code set firmware to again downgrade the firmware. If you do this, you will have the new bootloader (3.08.00.001) with the 9.4.0.1 firmware (3.06.00.005). Instead please use the file 9.4.0.1_fw_with_bootloaderBL3.05.00.002.zip or 9.4.0.1_fw_with_bootloaderBL3.06.00.003.zip that is attached

Does AMCC 3ware have support for VMware ESXi?

Administrator — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 04:37:34 GMT

Abstract:

ESXi is a leaner version of the ESXServer 3.5 which is targeted towards Embedded Systems Development.

Secondary storage (i.e. non-booting) support is now available for the 9650SE/9690SA using these instructions:

1. Install VMware ESXi 3.5 update 2 to a USB flash disk (or other non-3ware boot disk)
2. Boot up ESXi until the yellow screen appears.
3. Press alt-f1 to switch to virtual console 1.
4. Type 'unsupported', then press enter twice to get a shell prompt.
5. Copy oem.tgz (attached to this kb article) into the directory /bootbank using 'ftpget', 'ftpput'
or from an NFS mount via the 'esxcfg-nas' command.
6. Type chmod 755 /bootbank/oem.tgz
7. Reboot

Notes: 1. Installing ESXi 3.5 update 2 directly onto a 9650SE or 9690SA is not supported at this
time due to lack of ESXi 3rd party driver support at installation time.
2. Driver version is v2.24.08.020vm35.

Does the 9650SE-2LP support a BBU?

Administrator — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 03:43:21 GMT

Abstract: The 9650SE-2LP does not support a BBU. If you desire to use a BBU with the 9650SE series, you need to use a different model. All other models of 9650SE support a BBU.

Does 3ware have support for SNMP for the 7000/8000/9500S/9550SX/9550SXU/9590SE/9650SE/9690SA products?

Administrator — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 09:53:23 GMT

Abstract:

Windows: SNMP support for Windows is not currently available, but will be available for the 9550SX(U)/9590SE/9650SE/9690SA in the future. Once avaialble, this SNMP support may also work with the 7000/8000/9500S, and there are no plans for future official support of the 7000/8000/9500S.

Linux: Both 32-bit and 64-bit are supported for RedHat/CenTOS 5.0/5.1 and Fedora Core 6.

Note for Linux users: Disable SELinux on your system. If not disabled, this will prevent the snmp agent from accessing the 3ware ioctl interface. Read the included 'readme' file for more details on installation and troubleshooting.

Email requests for support for other 3ware controllers/operating systems or comments to support1@amcc.com.

I want to do unattended installs with the 3DM2 installer. Is this supported?

Administrator — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 04:55:07 GMT

Abstract: Unattended installs of the 3DM2 installer are not supported at this time. If you desire this feature, please send feedback to support1@amcc.com, and include the operating system you would like to have supported.

I am using 9.5.1 code set, and I forgot my 3BM password. How can I recover or reset my 3BM password?

Administrator — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 04:20:34 GMT

Abstract:

At present there is no way to get into 3BM if you forgot your password.

The work around is to flash the controller firmware to the older version than 9.5.1 code set and it will allow you to access 3BM. You can then reflash to the 9.5.1 code set firmware. The password will be reset to the default of 3ware.

My linux version doesn''t have native support for my 9690SA, so I used a driver from 3ware KB article 14546. Can I use yum to my kernel? Will my system boot okay after running yum and updating my kernel?

Administrator — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 09:00:21 GMT

Abstract:

The new kernel that you yum updated may not have native support for the 9690SA. If it doesn't, the system will kernel panic on reboot unless you provide an updated driver. You can follow these steps:

1. yum update your system. (FYI: http://fedoraproject.org/wiki/YumUpgradeFaq)
2. Copy the 3ware driver source into the /lib/modules/.../kernel/driver/scsi folder. Overwrite the included 3w-9xxx.c and 3w-9xxx.h files that don't include 9690SA support with the source files that do include 9690SA support. You can download the 9690SA linux driver source from the 3ware web site http://www.3ware.com/support/download.asp.
3. Compile the 3ware linux driver http://www.3ware.com/kb/article.aspx?id=12690
4. Update the initial RAM disk by running mkinitrd http://www.3ware.com/kb/article.aspx?id=12690
5. Reboot your system. You will be at the new kernel version and have the latest available driver.

64lun k b placeholder

Administrator — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 06:03:19 GMT

Abstract:

The 9.5.1 Windows driver v3.00.04.020, supports up to 8 LUNs maximum. If you need additional LUNs, please use Windows driver that will be added to the 'In Engineering Phase' section of the 3ware web site http://www.3ware.com/support/downloadnew.asp, which supports up to 64 LUNs.

I am trying to install 64-bit version of 3DM2 with a 64-bit OS, and the installation is failing.

Administrator — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 05:32:27 GMT

Abstract:

If you are using the 9.5.1 3DM2 installer and have 32-bit java installed in a 64-bit system, then the 3DM2 installer will fail if the 32-bit java is in the path. The work around is to either change the path to not include the 32-bit java, or to uninstall the 32-bit java. You can reinstall the 32-bit java once 3DM2 is installed. Installing/uninstalling java: http://www.java.com/en/download/help/6000010300.xml

If this still doesn't work, run the installer with the -W platformInfoDebugFile.active="True". This will create a file called 3wareDebugFile in the system temp directory (e.g. /tmp/3wareDebugFile). Attach that file to a support case https://www.3ware.com.

You can install the FreeBSD and Linux versions manually.

For FreeBSD, see 3ware KB article 15283 http://www.3ware.com/KB/article.aspx?id=15283.

For Linux, you can use the tarball attached to this article:

-setupLinux_x32_9.5.1.tgz (for 32-bit versions)
-setupLinux_x64_9.5.1.tgz (for 64-bit versions)

This can be used to manually install the 9.5.1 code set version of 3DM2 to your Linux system.

Copy the files from the .tgz file into the appropriate directories:

1. Copy tdm2 into /etc/rc.d
or /etc/rc.d/init.d (to automatically start the 3DM2 daemon everytime the system boots)
2. Copy 3dm2 into /usr/sbin
3. Make a folder off of /etc called 3dm2 (

I am trying to install 3DM2 from the 9.5.1 code set with Windows x64 and it is not installing. I get the error message: "This installer contains software for Windows Vista on x86. Your system is running Windows Vista on x64. The installler will now exit"

Administrator — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 05:31:52 GMT

Abstract:

Uninstall JDK and JRE. You will then be able to install 3DM2 from the 9.5.1 code set.

Installing/uninstalling java: http://www.java.com/en/download/help/6000010300.xml

I am trying to install CentOS 5.2 with the 9500S. The 9500S has built in support, but I can''t get this installed. The install process detects the card and loads the driver but does not detect any attached drives.

Administrator — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 02:38:02 GMT

Abstract:

Please try:

linux mem=2048M acpi=off

Does 3ware support "first-party DMA"/"bus mastering DMA" on the 9650SE in a Linux or Windows environment? I want to bypass system memory and transfer data from the 9650 to another board and vice versa. Is an API required?

Administrator — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 05:25:58 GMT

Abstract:

If you do "lspci -vvv | grep 3ware -A 1" on a Linux system with any 3ware controller installed, you will see that the "BusMaster+" flag is set. This indicates the 3ware controllers are capable of bus master dma.

However, DMA'ing into another controller directly from 3ware is going to require custom Linux kernel modifications (not to the 3ware Linux driver) so that scatter gather list addresses (possibly with 1 entry if the other board does not do scatter gather) are sent to the 3ware driver through the block layer "generic_make_request()" or "scsi_do_cmd()"
interfaces. None of this "just works" by default as far as I know.

For Windows our controllers have always been capable of this. Nothing special has to be done to the 3ware driver/fw or utilities.

We do have an API but it’s not applicable. The API is to either do config/query/statistics calls such as used by tw_cli & 3DM2 or to do pass-through commands to the individual SATA/SAS drives.

How can a diskette image from the .img files on the 3ware code set CD under Linux with the dd command to a USB floppy drive?

Administrator — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 10:35:22 GMT

Abstract:

The command is:

dd if=<path to image on CD> of=<path to USB floppy drive>

I have an AIC based backplane. How do I use it with the I2C connector on my 3ware controller for chassis control?

Administrator — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 09:06:21 GMT

Abstract:

CCU Chassis control unit, proprietary GPIO based method that is supported on the 95xx/9650 controllers. The 9650SE is the last controller to support this, the 9690SA and beyond will use SES. This requires special code to be written and flashed to our controllers for each and every implementation as well as custom HW. Currently this is supported for CI Design & AIC Backplanes.

Use the attached files and instructions to connect the I2C connector on a 3ware controller to AIC http://www.aicipc.com/ based backplane.

Also attached is epct24drive-AIC_v2.22_drives_and_fans.bin (supports both drives and fans) and epct24drive-AIC_v2.31_drives_only.bin (supports drives only), which can be used with the 9650SE in an AIC chassis.

I am trying to install Windows 2008 x64 with the 9650SE and the 9.5.1 Windows driver. I am getting an error message that the driver is not digitally signed. What is going on? I am using the May 2008 (Disc 4454) DVD of Microsoft''s MSDN.

Administrator — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 04:20:31 GMT

Abstract:

Microsoft incorrectly mastered this DVD. The 32 bit install loader stub is ran before the OS selection menu. This results in you having to load the 32 bit drivers to install the 64 bit edition, then load the 64 bit drivers.

Officially released versions of Windows 2008 do not have this bug.

Also, you can't use the "dual" version of the MSDN disks. These are the ones that says "x86 or 64". You have to download/use the x86 OR 64-bit version only.

I have an array that says ''Inoperable'' on my 9500S/9550SX/9590SE controller. I also have an array on my 8506 that lists ''incomplete'' by the 3ware BIOS next to each drive at boot. What can I do?

Administrator — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 09:00:45 GMT

Abstract:

You will need to run the dumpall utility and provide the output to AMCC 3ware technical support. Instructions are provided below.

1. Download dumpall from this KB article by clicking on the file name below. Dumpall is provided in both .zip and .rar formats. Be sure to use the version appropriate for the 3ware controller that you are using.

2. Extract the contents of the dumpall archive to a blank floppy (or USB device).

3. Remove all 3ware controllers from the system except the 3ware controller with the array for which you are trying to repair.

4. Boot to DOS.

You can't run dumpall in Windows, Linux, FreeBSD, or MacOS. You must boot to DOS. If you don't have a DOS bootable floppy, you can download a program to create a DOS bootable diskette (e.g. DOS 6.22, dos622.exe) from http://www.bootdisk.com or DOS bootable USB device http://www.bootdisk.com/pendrive.htm. After creating the DOS boot device, you will need to delete some unneeded files from it to make room for the 3ware diagnostic files that get copied to the floppy diskette (not required if you created a DOS boot USB device). If you create a DOS 6.22 boot diskette, you can delete all of the files from the diskette except: MSDOS.SYS, IO.SYS, HIMEM.SYS, DRVSPACE.BIN, and COMMAND.COM.

5. Insert the floppy diskette (or USB device) with the extracted contents of dumpall and type autoexec.bat. Dumpall takes about two minutes to run. If you have waited longer than that, then something is wrong. Provide the file writedcb.log that is created on the floppy (or USB device) to AMCC 3ware technical support.

6. Provide the dumpall output to AMCC 3ware technical support. If you have a support case, put the log files in a .zip file, and attach to your web case. If you don't have a

Do you have support for Windows Vista / Windows Server 2008?

Administrator — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 02:53:07 GMT

Abstract: Please note: If you are using Disk 4454 of MSDN to load x64 Windows 2008, please see 3ware KB article 15426 http://www.3ware.com/kb/article.aspx?id=15426

9650SE/9690SA

Official support for the 9650SE/9690SA controllers is available with the 9.5.1 code set http://www.3ware.com/support/download.asp.

9550SX(U)/9590SE

Official support for the 9550SX(U)/9590SE series will not be available for Windows Vista/2008.

32-bit Vista/Windows 2008 - The Windows driver included with the 9.5.1 code set or newer should work okay. 3DM2 and CLI from the 9.5.1 code set and newer should work okay with Windows Vista / Server 2008.

64-bit Vista/Windows 2008 - 64-bit Vista/Windows 2008 support is not currently working with 9.4.1.3 and 9.4.2 firmware. You can use the firmware from the 9.4.3 code set to resolve this.

9500S

Official support for the 9500S will not be available for Windows Vista/2008.

32-bit Vista/Windows 2008 - The Windows driver included with the 9.5 code set or newer should work okay. 3DM2 and CLI from the 9.5 code set and newer should work okay with the 9690SA and Windows Vista / Server 2008.

64-bit Vista/Windows 2008 - The Windows driver included with the 9.5 code set or newer should work okay. 3DM2 and CLI from the 9.5 code set and newer should work okay with the 9500S and Windows Vista / Server 2008.

7000/8000 Series:

"Official" support for the 7000/8000 will not be available for Windows Vista/2008.. However, the 'In Engineering Phase' Windows drivers should work okay with Vista (32-bit and 64-bit).

Click on the link referenced: "For 32-bit and 64-bit, you can use the Windows drivers for the 7000/8000 series that are posted in the 'In Engineer

Placeholder for FreeBSD in

Administrator — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 18:05:49 GMT

Abstract: FreeBSD in

How can I view the drive's SMART data?

Administrator — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 21:52:36 GMT

Abstract:

3DM users can download the error log located in the alarms page to obtain the SMART data, which is displayed in hex format. This log contains the system log, and firmware monitor log.

For CLI users the command is 'tw_cli info cX pY smart'. Where X and Y represents the controller and port number.

How can SMART data be read from the IDE drives connected to 3ware 7000, 8000, and 9000 series controllers? How can I do diagnostics on the attached disk drives?

Administrator — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 21:51:27 GMT

Abstract:

S.M.A.R.T. Monitoring (Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology) adds monitoring and troubleshooting functionality by automatically checking a disk drive's health and reporting potential problems.

It allows you to take proactive steps to prevent impending disk crashes. SMART data is checked on all disk drives (array members, JBOD and Hot Spares). Three SMART commands are issued: SMART RETURN STATUS (B0h with a Feature register value of DAh), SMART READ LOG (B0h with the content of the Features register equal to D5h), and SMART READ DATA (B0h with the content of the Features register equal to D0h).

SMART RETURN STATUS - This command is issued 24 hours after the Escalade controller is powered up (or can be scheduled with the 9500S series). This 24 hour wait period is timed internally in the 3ware firmware, and is not affected by changes to the system clock. Every 24 hours, the SMART RETURN STATUS is issued to attached disk drives. If none of the disk drives have detected a “threshold exceeded” condition, then nothing is logged to the 3DM or 3DM 2 Alarms page.

If any of the disk drives have detected a “threshold exceeded” condition, then an AEN is logged to the 3DM/3DM 2 Alarms page. This is repeated every 24 hours that the Escalade controller is powered up.

SMART READ LOG and SMART READ DATA - These commands are issued independent of the SMART RETURN STATUS command. These commands are only issued when the 'Download Error Log' button on the 3DM/3DM 2 Alarms page is pressed (See page 155). The SMART data is returned at the bottom of the Error Log, starting after “#SMARTError-LogStart.

3DM, 3DM 2, and the CLI all support getting SMART data from disk drives attached to 3ware controllers.

With 3DM, go to the Alarms page and click the 'Download Error Log' button. You willl be prompt

Hi, I have a 3ware array with 250 GB drives in it. I want to increase the capacity of this array by replacing each of the 250 GB drives in the array with 500 GB drives. Can I do this?

Administrator — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 18:39:30 GMT

Abstract:

If you have a 9500S (9.2 code set or newer), 9550SX(U), 9590SE, or 9650SE, then you can use array migration to add more disk drives to an existing RAID array. This is the officially support way to increase the capacity of the array.

Although not officially support, it is possible to replace every disk drive in the array with higher capacity drives, then make that extra space available. Follow the steps below:

(IMPORTANT NOTE: While this procedure can be done while keeping the data in your array intact, it is recommended that you backup your important data in the unlikely event that something happens to the array.)

Step 1: You must have a redundant 3ware array in optimal state (e.g. not degraded) on a 3ware 7000/8000/9500S/9550SX(U)/9590SE/9650SE controller.

Step 2: Replace one of the drives in the optimal, redundant array with a higher capacity drive. Rebuild the array completely before continuing to Step 3. Details on how to rebuild an array can be found in the User's Guide http://www.3ware.com/support/userdocs.asp.

Step 3: Repeat Step 2 for another drive in the array. Do not remove more than one drive from array at a time. A drive should only ever be removed from the array once the array is in an optimal (e.g. not degraded or rebuilding) state. Once you have done this for all of the drives in the array (one at a time), and the array is in an optimal state, then proceed to Step 4.

Step 4: Run dumpall on the array. Put the dumpall files together into a compressed file format and name it dumpall_after.tst. Attach this file to a 3ware support case. You can create a 3ware support case by going to https://www.3ware.com. Please also put this information in the case:

-If you have a 9500S and the array was greater than 2 TB

Do you support Apple Boot Camp?

Administrator — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 03:09:19 GMT

Abstract:

Apple Boot Camp is not officially supported. However, using the 9.5.1 code set it should work okay with the 9650SE and 9690SA family products.

http://www.apple.com/macosx/bootcamp/

I have an operating system installed to a disk drive attached to the motherboard controller. I would like to have that disk be a RAID array on a 3ware controller. Can I do it? What are the steps?

Administrator — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 16:57:05 GMT

Abstract:

This can be done by following the steps below.

1. Install a 3ware controller into that system.
2. Boot to the OS with the disk attached to the motherboard controller.
3. Load the driver for the 3ware controller.
4. Attach drives and create a unit on the 3ware controller. The capacity of the array you create should be the same or larger than the motherboard attached drive that currently has the operating system.
5. Now boot to a Linux liveCD, such as Knoppix or Ubuntu.
6. Go to a command prompt. You should be root superuser.
7. Type fdisk -l to see all devices (e.g. /sda1, /sdb1, etc.)
8. This step is very important. You must determine which /sdx corresponds to which storage device (e.g. motherboard disk or 3ware unit). If the capacity of the motherboard disk and the 3ware unit are different (with the 3ware unit being larger in capacity), this would be a good way to determine which is which. The fdisk -l command lists the capacity of /sda and /sdb.
9. In this example, we'll assume /sda is the 3ware unit and /sdb is the motherboard disk. Use the dd command to copy the data sector by sector from the motherboard disk to the 3ware unit: dd if=/dev/sdb of=/dev/sda
10. Power the system down, and remove the motherboard disk.
11. Boot the system. It will boot from the 3ware unit.

I want to install FreeBSD to my 9500S/9550SX(U)/9590SE/9650SE/9690SA. FreeBSD 5.4 and 6.0 don't have native support for the 9500S/9550SX(U)/9590SE/9650SE/9690SA. What do I do?

Administrator — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 16:45:59 GMT

Abstract:

(If you have a 9550SX/9590SE/9650SE and want FreeBSD 6.1 or 6.2 support click here; FreeBSD 6.1 and newer has native support for the 9500S)

There are four cases for installing FreeBSD and using the 9500S/9550SX(U)/9590SE/9650SE/9690SA.

Case 1: Installing FreeBSD v5.4 to a unit attached to the 9500S/9550SX(U)/9590SE/9650SE/9690SA and booting from it

Case 2: Installing FreeBSD v5.4 to a disk attached to the motherboard ATA controller and having the 9500S/9550SX(U)/9590SE/9650SE/9690SA as secondary storage.

Case 3: Installing FreeBSD v6.0 to a unit attached to the 9500S/9550SX(U)/9590SE/9650SE/9690SA and booting from it

Case 4: Installing FreeBSD v6.0 to a disk attached to the motherboard ATA controller and having the 9500S/9550SX(U)/9590SE/9650SE/9690SA as secondary storage.

All of these cases are covered in the KB article.

Case 1: Installing FreeBSD v5.4 to a unit attached to the 9500S/9550SX(U)/9590SE/9650SE/9690SA and booting from the 9500S/9550SX(U)/9590SE/9650SE/9690SA

1. Disconnect all SCSI devices in the system, except the ones connected
to the 9500S/9550SX(U)/9590SE/9650SE/9690SA controller. Create the RAID units on the 9500S/9550SX(U)/9590SE/9650SE/9690SA using 3BM (the BIOS of the 9500S/9550SX(U)/9590SE/9650SE/9690SA).
2. Copy the appropriate driver binary (twa_BSD5.4x32.ko, x64.ko) on to a floppy. Binaries for FreeBSD 5.4 and FreeBSD 6.0 are attached to this KB article. Both 32-bit (x86) and 64-bit (x86_64) versions are attached.
3. Boot the system from the FreeBSD installation CD. Select option 6 "escape to loader prompt", then type one of the following (depending on your version of FreeBSD):

load disk0:twa_BSD5.4x32.ko (for 32-bit FreeBSD 5.4)
load disk0:twa_BSD5.4x64.ko (for 64-bit FreeBSD 5.4)

boot

You must insert the floppy diskette immediately after the system starts bootin

I have an Xtore JBOD enclosure and the 9690SA. The Xtore JBOD has fw 1.14H.02/3. After using the identify on 3DM2 the activity LEDs stop working.

Administrator — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:32:47 GMT

Abstract: This will be resolved with the 9.5.1 code set, due out early September, 2008.

I am using the 9.5.0.1 code set Windows driver on Windows Server 2008 x64. I noticed that the certificate for the driver is valid from 6/27/2007 to 6/27/2008. Does that mean the driver has expired?

Administrator — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 07:45:22 GMT

Abstract: The driver is still valid, and has not expired.

https://twiki.cern.ch/twiki/bin/view/FIOgroup/DiskPrbTw

Administrator — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 03:23:41 GMT

Abstract:

The latest version of this TWiki page can be found here: https://twiki.cern.ch/twiki/bin/view/FIOgroup/DiskPrbTw

3Ware Controller Problem Determination Procedures

/var/log/messages

These messages can appear in the system syslog file. They are documented here to assist in filtering out what are real and what are false errors. Only the messages explicitly labeled as generating lemon events (e.g. RAID_TW_CTLR or RAID_TW_DISK ) will be reported to the operator. The RAID_TW lemon events which are defined here are obtained from running query commands rather than looking at log history.

Message

Action

Is there a list of the driver versions and code set versions for the 9550SX/9590SE/9650SE/9690SA series?

Administrator — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 08:12:00 GMT

Abstract:

See the table below for the code set revision history of driver versions and supported controllers. See the related links to other 3ware KB articles for similar information for the 6000/7000/8000 series and 9500S/9550SX(U)/9590SE/9650SE/9690SA series.

Code set

Fully Supported Controllers

Partially Supported Controllers
(3DM2/CLI, drivers for 9xxx controllers work okay with the 9xxx controllers)

Date Released

9.5.0.1

9690SA series [support 9690SA-8I, 9690SA-8E, and 9690SA-4I4E]

9650SE, 9590SE, 9550SX(U), 9500S (drivers and 3DM2/CLI);
7000/8000 (3DM2/CLI only, not drivers)

March 2008

9.5

9690SA series [support 9690SA-8I, 9690SA-8E, and 9690SA-4I4E]

9650SE, 9590SE, 9550SX(U), 9500S (drivers and 3DM2/CLI);
7000/8000 (3DM2/CLI only, not drivers)

September 2007

9.4.2

9650SE series [support for 2/4/8/12/16/24 port versions of the 9650SE, the 9650SE-4LPME, and the 9550SX(U)]

9590SE, 9500S (drivers and 3DM2/CLI);
7000/8000 (3DM2/CLI only, not drivers)

November 2007

9.4.1.3

9650SE series [support for 2/4/8/12/16/24 port versions of the 9650SE, the 9650SE-4LPME, and the 9550SX(U)]

9590SE,&nb

I have an SuperMicro/AMI based backplane. How do I use it with the I2C connector on my 3ware controller for chassis control?

Administrator — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 06:45:55 GMT

Abstract:

The following SuperMicro AMI based chassis are supported:

-SM815TQ
-SM823TQ
-SM825TQ

See the attached document for instructions on how to connect it up. You can purchase the required chassis control cables through distribution or contact 3ware technical support.

AMCC 3ware 9550SX(U), 9590SE, and 9650SE controllers have I2C connectors on them. How can I use those connectors for chassis control?

Administrator — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 08:45:12 GMT

Abstract:

These can be driven two ways:

1. CCU Chassis control unit, proprietary GPIO based method that is supported on the 95xx/9650 controllers. The 9650SE is the last controller to support this, the 9690SA and beyond will use SES. This requires special code to be written and flashed to our controllers for each and every implementation as well as custom HW. Currently this is supported for CI Design & AIC Backplanes.

The following documentation/code is available:

AIC KB article 15303 http://www.3ware.com/KB/article.aspx?id=15303
CI Design - KB article 15032 http://www.3ware.com/KB/article.aspx?id=15302
SuperMicro (AMI) - KB article 15304 http://www.3ware.com/KB/article.aspx?id=15304

2. SES over I2C - Initial support is available starting in the 9.4.1 code set and newer. A pointer to the SES specification is below. Initial support is limited to the AMI 9071/72 chips. The SuperMicro 815TQ has been currently been tested, the SAS733TQ, 823TQ & SM825TQ backplanes are in the queue to be tested. Current support with 9.4.1.1 is limited to 16 drives in FW but only 8 drives with the referenced & currently available backplanes. A more robust SES implimentation will be available starting with the 9.5.x code set due in Q3/Q4 2007.

http://www.t10.org/ftp/t10/drafts/ses2/ses2r16.pdf

SCSI Enclosure Services - 2 (SES-2)

The attached file epctDrives-AIC_v2.1.zip contains the files for AIC CCU part number TW-000-51561 R.A1.

See this link for information on SAS chassis LED support http://www.3ware.com/KB/article.aspx?id=15409

I have three 9550SX-16ML in a system, all fully populated with disk drives. I configured the drives as Single Disk. I noticed that if I have up to 40 single disks, but if I have more than that, my SuperMicro X6DH8-XG2 won''t boot. What is going on?

Administrator — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 08:38:55 GMT

Abstract:

The current limitation of 3ware controllers is up to 40 units per system. You can have more than 40 disk drives, if the drives are configured into less than 40 units. For example, 16 drives in a RAID 5 array would count as a single unit.

I see poor performance with write cache disabled. I am using RAID 1 without a BBU. When I created the RAID 1 unit, 3DM2 told me that there could be data loss if I enable write cache without a BBU, so I disabled write cache. Read performance is good, but write performance is very slow (about 4 MB/sec). I don''t think this is normal, because the write performance of the disk drives when attached to a motherboard SATA controller is about 50 MB/sec.

Administrator — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 09:46:24 GMT

Abstract:

Write performance of 4 MB/sec with write cache disabled is normal for units on 3ware RAID controllers, regardless of the array type. Disk drives attached to motherboard SATA controllers have the write cache enabled. If you disabled the write cache on a drive attached to a motherboard SATA controller you would also see the slow write performance.

If you want good write performance and protection against data loss in case of an unclean shutdown or sudden power loss, then you should use a BBU. You can purchase a BBU from the 3ware online store http://store.3ware.com.

Do 3ware Windows drivers support Storport?

Administrator — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 06:30:38 GMT

Abstract:

3ware drivers do not support Storport, they use SCSIport.

You can read more about SCSIport vs. Storport here: download.microsoft.com/download/5/6/6/5664b85a-ad06-45ec-979e-ec4887d715eb/Storport.doc

I have FreeBSD and I used the migration option to increase the capacity of my array. How can I make FreeBSD take advantage of the newly added capacity?

Administrator — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 02:40:53 GMT

Abstract:

FreeBSD GPT Instructions after capacity expansion/migration:

create a gpt partition
# gpt create da0

add a partition
# gpt add -i 1 -s 100000000 da0 ( 100000000 is used an example, actual size could be larger)

format the unit
# newfs /dev/da0p1

mount a formatted unit
# mount /dev/da0p1 /3ware

Partition(s) after OCE:

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VERY IMPORTANT: make a backup of your data before attempting to re-size an existing
partition. Mistakes/accidents do happen, which could result in data loss.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Reboot system or manually un-load/reload the driver

un-mount a mounted partition
# umount /3ware

delete existing unit
# gpt destroy da0

re-create a partition
# gpt create da0

add a partition
# gpt add -i 1 -s <new_size> da0

resize new file system
# growfs /dev/da0p1

re-mount the newly created partition
# mount /dev/da0p1 /3ware

check for new capacity
# df -h

=======================================================================================================

NOTE #1: replace gpt command with fdisk if fdisk was used to create existing partitions.

NOTE #2: if the expanded array exceeds 2TB, customer can't resize the file systems unless the partition
was previously gpt-partitioned. Do not attemtp OCE if this is the case.

=======================================================================================================

Is the 3ware Sidecar with 9650SE-4LPME compatible with the Magma ExpressBox?

Administrator — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 06:50:23 GMT

Abstract:

The 9650SE-4LPME has been tested successfully with the Magma ExpressBox.

You can see the 3ware Sidecar 9650SE-4LPME disk drive compatibility list for a list of tested hard disk drives.

I am getting this error message with the SuSE Sles10 SP1 and SP2 Xen kernel: Jun 16 12:20:25 xen kernel: 3w-9xxx: scsi0: ERROR: (0x06:0x001C): Failed to map scatter gather list. My kernel is 2.6.16.60-0.21-xen.

Administrator — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 06:34:17 GMT

Abstract:

Resolution: the problem is fixed in kernel-xen-2.6.16.60-0.25

Please update your system if you have not done so.

I want to use the HP Proliant DL320/G5 with the 3ware 9550SX(U)/9650SE/9690SA. Will it work?

Administrator — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 05:48:08 GMT

Abstract:

If you use the 9550SX(U)/9650SE/9690SA in the HP Proliant DL320/G5, you will see the following error message when pressing Alt 3 at boot up: "Insufficient PMM RAM to load controller software, Your system motherboard may require a bios upgrade".

The system will still boot and CLI or 3DM2 can be used to configure the controller.

If you use the firmware from the 9.5.1 code set (or newer) with the 9650SE or 9690SA, you will not see this error message. The 9.5.1 code set is due out August 2008.

I want to submit an AMCC 3ware support case to https://www.3ware.com or https://3ware.com, but when I navigate to that page I get this error: Secure Connection Failed. What can I do?

Administrator — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 02:29:41 GMT

Abstract: Click on 'Or you can add an exception…' Follow the instructions on the screen. You will be able to login.

3ware Knowledge Base

I am installing the Xen kernel with a 9550SX and the built in driver. I have over 4 GBytes of system RAM. The system won''t boot and I get an error message referencing tw_probe.

What are the error logs that I should send to 3ware in order to diagnose my technical problems? How do I get them?

Which systems/motherboards are compatible with the 9650SE-4LPME based 3ware Sidecar?

I have two identical 9650SE controllers with the same drives and units on each one in my Linux system. I noticed that after I upgraded my kernel, the controller numbers switched. Can I prevent this? How can I be sure which controller I am working with?

Can I use the 9650SE controller that uses internal drives (e.g. non-3ware Sidecar) in a Mac system?

I have an old 3ware controller that is out of warranty. I want to move the disks to a new 3ware controller.

Is support available for Mac OS 10.5 (Leopard)?

I am not getting the performance I expect. What can I do?

How can I tune the write DPO (disable page out) cache setting?

Do you have a statement of non-volatililty for the 9650SE?

Does VMware have support for AMCC 3ware RAID controllers? Which versions? Is the support VMware certified?

I need the new bootloader for the 9.4.3 code set.

Does AMCC 3ware have support for VMware ESXi?

Does the 9650SE-2LP support a BBU?

Does 3ware have support for SNMP for the 7000/8000/9500S/9550SX/9550SXU/9590SE/9650SE/9690SA products?

I want to do unattended installs with the 3DM2 installer. Is this supported?

I am using 9.5.1 code set, and I forgot my 3BM password. How can I recover or reset my 3BM password?

My linux version doesn''t have native support for my 9690SA, so I used a driver from 3ware KB article 14546. Can I use yum to my kernel? Will my system boot okay after running yum and updating my kernel?

64lun k b placeholder

I am trying to install 64-bit version of 3DM2 with a 64-bit OS, and the installation is failing.

I am trying to install 3DM2 from the 9.5.1 code set with Windows x64 and it is not installing. I get the error message: "This installer contains software for Windows Vista on x86. Your system is running Windows Vista on x64. The installler will now exit"

I am trying to install CentOS 5.2 with the 9500S. The 9500S has built in support, but I can''t get this installed. The install process detects the card and loads the driver but does not detect any attached drives.

Does 3ware support "first-party DMA"/"bus mastering DMA" on the 9650SE in a Linux or Windows environment? I want to bypass system memory and transfer data from the 9650 to another board and vice versa. Is an API required?

How can a diskette image from the .img files on the 3ware code set CD under Linux with the dd command to a USB floppy drive?

I have an AIC based backplane. How do I use it with the I2C connector on my 3ware controller for chassis control?

I am trying to install Windows 2008 x64 with the 9650SE and the 9.5.1 Windows driver. I am getting an error message that the driver is not digitally signed. What is going on? I am using the May 2008 (Disc 4454) DVD of Microsoft''s MSDN.

I have an array that says ''Inoperable'' on my 9500S/9550SX/9590SE controller. I also have an array on my 8506 that lists ''incomplete'' by the 3ware BIOS next to each drive at boot. What can I do?

Do you have support for Windows Vista / Windows Server 2008?

Placeholder for FreeBSD in

How can I view the drive's SMART data?

How can SMART data be read from the IDE drives connected to 3ware 7000, 8000, and 9000 series controllers? How can I do diagnostics on the attached disk drives?

Hi, I have a 3ware array with 250 GB drives in it. I want to increase the capacity of this array by replacing each of the 250 GB drives in the array with 500 GB drives. Can I do this?

Do you support Apple Boot Camp?

I have an operating system installed to a disk drive attached to the motherboard controller. I would like to have that disk be a RAID array on a 3ware controller. Can I do it? What are the steps?

I want to install FreeBSD to my 9500S/9550SX(U)/9590SE/9650SE/9690SA. FreeBSD 5.4 and 6.0 don't have native support for the 9500S/9550SX(U)/9590SE/9650SE/9690SA. What do I do?

There are four cases for installing FreeBSD and using the 9500S/9550SX(U)/9590SE/9650SE/9690SA.

Case 1: Installing FreeBSD v5.4 to a unit attached to the 9500S/9550SX(U)/9590SE/9650SE/9690SA and booting from the 9500S/9550SX(U)/9590SE/9650SE/9690SA

I have an Xtore JBOD enclosure and the 9690SA. The Xtore JBOD has fw 1.14H.02/3. After using the identify on 3DM2 the activity LEDs stop working.

I am using the 9.5.0.1 code set Windows driver on Windows Server 2008 x64. I noticed that the certificate for the driver is valid from 6/27/2007 to 6/27/2008. Does that mean the driver has expired?

https://twiki.cern.ch/twiki/bin/view/FIOgroup/DiskPrbTw

3Ware Controller Problem Determination Procedures

/var/log/messages

Is there a list of the driver versions and code set versions for the 9550SX/9590SE/9650SE/9690SA series?

I have an SuperMicro/AMI based backplane. How do I use it with the I2C connector on my 3ware controller for chassis control?

AMCC 3ware 9550SX(U), 9590SE, and 9650SE controllers have I2C connectors on them. How can I use those connectors for chassis control?

I have three 9550SX-16ML in a system, all fully populated with disk drives. I configured the drives as Single Disk. I noticed that if I have up to 40 single disks, but if I have more than that, my SuperMicro X6DH8-XG2 won''t boot. What is going on?

Do 3ware Windows drivers support Storport?

I have FreeBSD and I used the migration option to increase the capacity of my array. How can I make FreeBSD take advantage of the newly added capacity?

Is the 3ware Sidecar with 9650SE-4LPME compatible with the Magma ExpressBox?

I am getting this error message with the SuSE Sles10 SP1 and SP2 Xen kernel: Jun 16 12:20:25 xen kernel: 3w-9xxx: scsi0: ERROR: (0x06:0x001C): Failed to map scatter gather list. My kernel is 2.6.16.60-0.21-xen.

I want to use the HP Proliant DL320/G5 with the 3ware 9550SX(U)/9650SE/9690SA. Will it work?

I want to submit an AMCC 3ware support case to https://www.3ware.com or https://3ware.com, but when I navigate to that page I get this error: Secure Connection Failed. What can I do?