M4800 Raid-1 configuration issue

Hello,

Was trying to configure a custom Dell Precision M4800. Needed raid-1 (backup need more than raid-0 performance) and selected "Raid 1 on Primary HDD and Optical HDD"
and a prompt appeared - "The RAID Configuration requires that the Primary Storage and Optical Hard Drive must be same capacity and type"

So selected:
Main HDD as "1TB 2.5" SATA (7,200 RPM) Hard Drive"
Could NOT select a secondary HDD
Selected - "1TB 2.5" 7200RPM Hard Disk Drive - for Optical Bay"

Still got the same error prompt as before and I am wondering which options should I select?

Thanks

 

The RAID drive option for the secondary isn't the same as the optical bay secondary, at least on my end.

It's weirdly worded but you need to select the correct 2 out of the possible 3 options.

 

I did select the correct 2 of 3 options, Primary HDD and Optical Bay drive. Cannot choose Secondary HDD as it throws another error.

However, I'm selecting the same size and type HDD. So why is there an error still?

This can also be checked on Dell website

 

If you are ready to place your order and the web site is not cooperating, just call the sales line and place your order with a rep, they should be able to work through it.

 

Well, I was wondering if that configuration had worked then I'd have gotten the lowest priced HDD and gotten two of the same internal HDD (not from Dell but cheaper outside) and configured Raid-1 myself.

So calling to place order might not work. I need to know what configuration would set up Raid-1 and I can then later get that configuration.

 

Looking at the error it seems that the primary HDD mentions SATA and the Optical Bay Drive does not mention - SATA.

Main HDD as "1TB 2.5" SATA (7,200 RPM) Hard Drive"
Selected - "1TB 2.5" 7200RPM Hard Disk Drive - for Optical Bay"


Could that be a reason?

Even if one considers that the Optical Bay Drive HDD is PATA then how can one explain the fact that Optical Bay Drive has SATA solid state drive options?

And if Optical Bay Drive can handle SATA drives then can I get my own SATA drive and insert it in the DVD slot?

Thanks,

 

The optical bay is SATA, just like everything else in the machine. You can put in a SATA 2.5" hard drive, but you need a caddy to mount it in.

 

Talked to Dell who after a long time of configuring informed me excitedly that they have been able to configure Raid-1 with Primary HDD and Secondary HDD. This was enough for me to laugh loudly because M4800 does not allow for a secondary HDD.

Dell was able to configure a M6800 and want me to get that instead

So keep away from Dell reps. That's the lesson I've learned unless one finds that one's life is too peaceful and is in dire need of some stress. For most of the people I know it is exactly the opposite.

 

if that is the case then it is quite surprising that neither I nor Dell can select drives of same capacity, rpm and if you say both are SATA for Raid-1. What else can be different for me to get the following error
"The RAID Configuration requires that the Primary Storage and Optical Hard Drive must be same capacity and type"?

 

I’d say you need to take the plunge and then set up your machine yourself.
I wouldn’t consider Dell configurator to be a place to confirm reliably what’s possible and what’s not.