Troubleshooting SAS HDD Clicking Noise: IDLE Seeking, Setting, and PERC 710
If you've recently acquired 5 used SAS HDDs and have been using them for approximately 35 days, you might have encountered a common issue: a clicking noise coming from the drives. This problem can be caused by IDLE seeking, incorrect settings, or the PERC 710 RAID controller. This article will guide you through the process of diagnosing and resolving this issue, ensuring the longevity and optimal performance of your SAS HDDs.
Understanding SAS HDDs and PERC 710
SAS (Serial Attached SCSI) hard drives are high-performance, enterprise-class storage devices designed for demanding applications. The PERC 710 (PowerEdge RAID Controller) is a RAID controller developed by Dell for their PowerEdge servers, providing various RAID levels and enhanced data protection features.
Identifying the Clicking Noise
A clicking noise in a SAS HDD usually indicates IDLE seeking, which occurs when the drive's read/write head moves across the platters to locate data. Excessive IDLE seeking can cause premature wear and tear on the drive, reducing its lifespan. In some cases, clicking noises can also be attributed to misconfigured settings or faulty RAID controllers, such as the PERC 710.
Checking IDLE Seeking Settings
To resolve IDLE seeking issues, you should verify that the IDLE timeout is properly configured. The IDLE timeout determines how long the drive remains in IDLE mode before it starts seeking data. To check the IDLE timeout setting:
- Access the drive's configuration utility (usually through the BIOS or an embedded management interface).
- Locate the IDLE timeout setting and ensure it is set to an appropriate value (usually between 5 and 30 seconds).
Updating PERC 710 Firmware
Outdated firmware on the PERC 710 RAID controller can cause compatibility issues with SAS HDDs, leading to clicking noises. To update the PERC 710 firmware:
- Download the latest firmware version from the Dell support website.
- Extract the downloaded file and copy the .fwu file to a USB drive.
- Reboot the server and access the PERC 710 configuration utility.
- Navigate to the "Firmware Update" section and follow the on-screen instructions to update the firmware.
Replacing the PERC 710 (if necessary)
If updating the firmware does not resolve the clicking noise issue, the PERC 710 itself may be faulty. In this case, you should contact Dell support for further assistance and potential replacement options.
References
- Dell Knowledge Base: How to Update the PERC Firmware Using the Dell OpenManage Server Administrator (OMSA) Plugin
- Dell Knowledge Base: IDs: How to Change the Idle Timeout Value for a Virtual Disk in the Dell PowerVault MD3, MD1200, and MD1220 Storage Arrays
By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to diagnose and resolve the clicking noise issue in your SAS HDDs, ensuring optimal performance and longevity for your storage devices.