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Replacing Read Cache SSDs

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Select ECS EX500 Hardware Replacement Procedures: Read Cache SSD Replacement

Generated: February 14, 2024 7:13 AM GMT

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Publication Date: February, 2024

Dell Technologies Confidential Information version: 2.3.6.198

Page 1 of 50
 Contents
Preliminary Activity Tasks .......................................................................................................3
Read, understand, and perform these tasks.................................................................................................3

Read Cache SSD Replacement..............................................................................................5

Dell Technologies Confidential Information version: 2.3.6.198

Page 2 of 50
Preliminary Activity Tasks
This section may contain tasks that you must complete before performing this procedure.

Read, understand, and perform these tasks

1. Table 1 lists tasks, cautions, warnings, notes, and/or knowledgebase (KB) solutions that you need to
be aware of before performing this activity. Read, understand, and when necessary perform any
tasks contained in this table and any tasks contained in any associated knowledgebase solution.

Table 1 List of cautions, warnings, notes, and/or KB solutions related to this activity

• *** WARNING - MUST READ ***

2. This is a link to the top trending service topics. These topics may or not be related to this activity.
This is merely a proactive attempt to make you aware of any KB articles that may be associated with
this product.

Note: There may not be any top trending service topics for this product at any given time.

ECS Top Service Topics

Dell Technologies Confidential Information version: 2.3.6.198

Page 3 of 50
Dell Technologies Confidential Information version: 2.3.6.198

Page 4 of 50
Read Cache SSD Replacement

Dell Technologies Confidential Information version: 2.3.6.198

Page 5 of 50
ECS Appliance Read Cache SSD Replacement
Guide

October 2022
Rev. 1.3

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Notes, cautions, and warnings

NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your product.

CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid
the problem.

WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.

© 2022 Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. All rights reserved. Dell, EMC, and other trademarks are trademarks of Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. Other
trademarks may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Page 7 of 50
 Contents

Figures..........................................................................................................................................5

Tables........................................................................................................................................... 6
Revision history.......................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Overview......................................................................................................................................................................................8
Determine the Version of EX Series Hardware .................................................................................................................9
Replacement Disk Prerequisites for ECS 3.5.................................................................................................................... 13
Tools............................................................................................................................................................................................14
Following ECS UI for SSD status and replacement information.................................................................................. 15

Chapter 1: Replace Read Cache SSDs on ECS EX5000 appliance.................................................. 18

Replace the Failed Drives Overview..............................................................................................................................18
Uninstalling an SSD............................................................................................................................................................18
Removing a drive carrier.................................................................................................................................................. 21
Removing the SSD from the drive carrier................................................................................................................... 22
Installing the SSD into the drive carrier.......................................................................................................................22
Installing a drive carrier....................................................................................................................................................23
Installing an SSD ...............................................................................................................................................................23
Post—Disk Replacement Checks ................................................................................................................................ 26

Chapter 2: Replace Read Cache SSDs on ECS EX500 appliance................................................... 28

Replace the Failed Drive Overview............................................................................................................................... 28
Uninstalling an SSD...........................................................................................................................................................28
Uninstalling the Drive from the Drive Carrier ............................................................................................................30
Installing a Drive into the Drive Carrier .......................................................................................................................30
Installing an SSD ................................................................................................................................................................31
Post—Disk Replacement Checks ................................................................................................................................ 32

Chapter 3: Replace Read Cache SSDs on ECS EX300 appliance................................................... 33

Replace the Failed Drives Overview............................................................................................................................. 33
Remove the SSD............................................................................................................................................................... 33
Remove the Drive from the Drive Carrier .................................................................................................................. 35
Install the Replacement Drive into the Drive Carrier ...............................................................................................35
Install the SSD....................................................................................................................................................................36
Post—Disk Replacement Checks .................................................................................................................................37

Chapter 4: Replace Read Cache SSDs on ECS EX3000 appliance................................................. 38

Replace the Failed Drives Overview............................................................................................................................. 38
Remove the SSD............................................................................................................................................................... 38
Install the SSD....................................................................................................................................................................40
Post—Disk Replacement Checks ................................................................................................................................. 41

Chapter 5: Replace Read Cache SSDs on ECS Gen 2 U Series appliance...................................... 42

Replace the Failed Drives Overview............................................................................................................................. 42
Removing a Failed SSD.................................................................................................................................................... 42

Contents 3

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 Installing an SSD................................................................................................................................................................ 43
Post—Disk Replacement Checks ................................................................................................................................ 44

4 Contents

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 Figures

1 EX5000 Server Front View..................................................................................................................................... 9

2 EXF900 Server Front View 12 Drives....................................................................................................................9
3 EXF900 Server Front View 24 Drives................................................................................................................. 10
4 EX500 Server Front View...................................................................................................................................... 10
5 EX300 Server Front View....................................................................................................................................... 11
6 EX3000 Server Front View.....................................................................................................................................11
7 Gen2 Server Front View......................................................................................................................................... 12
8 ECS UI Maintenance Rack and Node Status..................................................................................................... 15
9 ECS UI Maintenance Data Disks Blue Status.................................................................................................... 16
10 ECS UI Maintenance Node Drill-Down Replace................................................................................................ 16
11 EX5000D SSD Slots.................................................................................................................................................19
12 EX5000S SSD Slots................................................................................................................................................ 20
13 EX5000 LED indicators.......................................................................................................................................... 20
14 Uninstalling an SSD................................................................................................................................................. 20
15 Removing an SSD carrier from expander module............................................................................................ 22
16 Removing the SSD from the drive carrier......................................................................................................... 22
17 Installing the SSD into the drive carrier............................................................................................................. 23
18 Installing an SSD drive carrier into the expander module.............................................................................. 23
19 Installing an SSD...................................................................................................................................................... 24
20 EX5000D SSD Slots................................................................................................................................................25
21 EX5000S SSD Slots................................................................................................................................................ 26
22 EX500 SSD Slots..................................................................................................................................................... 28
23 EX500 LED indicators.............................................................................................................................................29
24 Uninstalling an SSD................................................................................................................................................. 29
25 uninstalling the drive from the drive carrier...................................................................................................... 30
26 Installing a drive into the drive carrier................................................................................................................. 31
27 Installing an SSD...................................................................................................................................................... 32
28 EX500 SSD Slots..................................................................................................................................................... 32
29 EX300 SSD Slot Location...................................................................................................................................... 33
30 EX300 LED indicators.............................................................................................................................................34
31 Removing an SSD.................................................................................................................................................... 34
32 Removing the drive from the drive carrier........................................................................................................ 35
33 Install drive into drive carrier................................................................................................................................ 36
34 Installing an SSD.......................................................................................................................................................37
35 EX300 SSD Slot Location...................................................................................................................................... 37
36 EX3000 SSD slot locations....................................................................................................................................38
37 EX3000 SSD slot locations.................................................................................................................................... 41
38 Gen2 SSD Slot Location.........................................................................................................................................43
39 Gen2 SSD Slot Location.........................................................................................................................................43

Figures 5

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 Tables

1 Revision history...........................................................................................................................................................7
2 EX3000 Server indicators, buttons, or connectors......................................................................................... 12

6 Tables

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 Revision history
This section provides a description of document changes.

Table 1. Revision history

Revision Date Description of change
October 2022 Rev 1.3 Updates to "Tools"
February 2022 Rev 1.2 Updates for EX5000 support
June 2020 Rev 1.1 Updates to "Tools"
May 2020 Rev 1.0 Initial release

Revision history 7

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 Overview
This guide provides information for ECS Gen3 EX Series and Gen2 U Series disk replacement.
For all other ECS hardware platforms, contact Dell support to perform disk replacement.
ECS supports disk replacement using the process that is described in this document only if all nodes in the Virtual Data Center
(VDC) are running ECS version 3.5 or later.
ECS supports NVMe SSDs on the ECS EXF900 Appliance on ECS version 3.6 and later.
ECS supports HDDs on the ECS EX5000, EX500, EX300, EX3000, and Gen2 U Series Appliances on version 3.5 and later.
ECS blocks disk replacement by the user in the ECS UI until upgrade to version 3.5 or later is completed on all nodes. For
assistance carrying out a disk replacement while upgrade is in progress if for some reason deemed absolutely required, contact
Dell Support.
Throughout this document, in the context of these procedures, the following terms are used interchangeably:
● disk
● storage disk
● drive
● hard drive

8 Overview

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Determine the Version of EX Series Hardware
Learn how to determine which version of EX Series hardware you have.

EX5000
The following figures illustrate the front of the various versions of the EX5000 server.

Figure 1. EX5000 Server Front View

EXF900
The following figures illustrate the front of the EXF900 server.

Figure 2. EXF900 Server Front View 12 Drives

Determine the Version of EX Series Hardware 9

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Figure 3. EXF900 Server Front View 24 Drives

Item Panels and slots Description

1 Left control panel Contains system health and system ID, status LED
2 Drive slots Enable you to install drives that are supported on your system.
3 Right control panel Contains the power button, VGA port, iDRAC Direct micro USB port, and two USB 2.0
ports.
4 Information tag The Information tag is a slide-out label panel that contains system information such as
Service Tag, NIC, MAC address.

EX500
The following figure illustrates the front of the EX500 server:

Figure 4. EX500 Server Front View

10 Determine the Version of EX Series Hardware

Page 15 of 50
EX300
The following figure illustrates the front of the EX300 server:

Figure 5. EX300 Server Front View

Item Panels and slots Description

1 Left control panel Contains system halth and sytstem ID, status LED or optional iDRAC Quick Sync 2
(wireless.
2 Drive slots Enable you to install drives that are supported on your system.
3 Right control panel Contains the power button, VGA port, iDRAC Direct micro USB port, and two USB 2.0
ports.
4 Information tag The Information tag is a slide-out label panel that contains system information such as
Service Tag, NIC, MAC address.

EX3000
The following figure illustrates the front of the EX3000 server:

Figure 6. EX3000 Server Front View

Determine the Version of EX Series Hardware 11

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Table 2. EX3000 Server indicators, buttons, or connectors
Item Indicator, Button, or Connector Description
1 Power indicator The power indicator glows when the system is turned on.
2 ID indicator When a system identification button is pressed, the ID indicator blinks blue
to help locate a particular system within a rack.
3 Sled An HDD fault status indicator. The indicator blinks amber if an HDD
experiences an issue.
4 System board status indicator If the system is on, and in good health, the indicator glows solid blue. The
indicator blinks amber if the system is in standby, and if any issue exists
(for example, a failed fan or HDD).
5 Power button ● The power button controls the PSU output to the system.
● NOTE: On ACPI-compliant operating systems (OSs), turning off
the system using the power button causes the system to perform a
graceful shutdown before power to the system is turned off.

6 System identification button ● The identification button can be used to locate a particular system
within a rack.
● Press to switch the system ID on and off.
● If the system stops responding during POST, press and hold the system
ID button for more than five seconds to enter BIOS progress mode.
● To reset iDRAC (if not disabled in F2 iDRAC setup) press and hold the
button for more than 15 seconds.
7 Power indicator The power indicator glows when the system is turned on.
8 ID indicator When a system identification button is pressed, the ID indicator blinks blue
to help locate a particular system within a rack.
9 Sled B HDD fault status indicator ● The indicator blinks amber if an HDD experiences an issue.
● NOTE: Features of Sled B are for dual-node systems only.

10 System board status indicator If the system is on, and in good health, the indicator glows solid blue. The
indicator blinks amber if the system is in standby, and if any issue exists
(for example, a failed fan or HDD).
11 Power button ● The power button controls the PSU output to the system.
● NOTE: On ACPI-compliant operating systems (OSs), turning off
the system using the power button causes the system to perform a
graceful shutdown before power to the system is turned off.

12 System identification button ● The identification button can be used to locate a particular system
within a rack.
● Press to switch the system ID on and off.
● If the system stops responding during POST, press and hold the system
ID button for more than five seconds to enter BIOS progress mode.
● To reset iDRAC (if not disabled in F2 iDRAC setup) press and hold the
button for more than 15 seconds.

Gen2
The figure illustrates the front of the ECS Gen2 server:

Figure 7. Gen2 Server Front View

12 Determine the Version of EX Series Hardware

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 Replacement Disk Prerequisites for ECS 3.5
Ensure that you have Secure Remote Services (SRS) configured, or contact Dell Support to order replacement disks.

Prerequisites
If SRS is configured, the disks for replacement are automatically dispatched to a customer site. If Secure Remote Services is not
configured, follow the procedure below to order replacement disks.

Steps
1. In the ECS UI, go to Manage > Events > Alerts.
2. Filter the Alerts by:
a. Date: Time Range
Select the time range according to the approximate date that you believe to have received the alert to replace the
faulted disk.
b. Severity: Select Info
3. Export the filter results.
The Export function exports only what is displayed on the ECS UI screen at the moment of exporting. You may have to carry
out the Export function several times to yield all the results in your export output.
4. Take note of the following information ready to place the disk order:
● Node Serial Number
● Disk Serial Number
● Disk Type
● Model
● Size
Look for alerts such as the following with the pertinent information:

Severity: Info
Decription: Node SN=<service tag> Disk SN=<disk serial number> in rack=<name of rack>,
node=<fqdn>, slot=<slot number> is ready for replacement. Disk Details: Type=<disk
type>,
Model=<vendor model>, Size=<disk size> GB, Firmware = <firmware version>.

5. Contact Dell EMC at https://www.dell.com/support or your support provider to order replacement parts.

Replacement Disk Prerequisites for ECS 3.5 13

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 Tools
Learn about the tools required to complete the disk replacements.
● Phillips #1 screwdriver
● T6 torx bit, for torx screw removal of 2.5" drives
● T8 torx bit, for torx screw removal of 3.5" drives
● ESD gloves or ESD wristband
● Ladder: Required to access to the disk bays, if you are replacing a disk in an EX3000 mounted in the rack at 30U or higher.
● Ladder: Required to access to the disk bays, if you are replacing a disk in an EX5000 mounted in the rack at 30U or higher.

14 Tools

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 Following ECS UI for SSD status and
replacement information
Follow the ECS UI for information as to when you should replace an SSD.

Prerequisites
Ensure that replacement disks are onsite.

Steps
1. In the ECS UI, go to Manage > Maintenance.
This section represents all the racks that exist in a VDC and all nodes.
The SSD Cache Disks column provides SSD status. The Data Disks column provides HDD status.
Green means that disks are operating properly.
Yellow means that disks are undergoing recovery or initializing after replacement. No action is required.
Red means that disks require attention; for example, they have failed recovery.
Blue means that disks require your action; for example, you must replace the disks.
When the disk status turns to yellow, it means that the disk status is Bad, and that ECS automatically has begun the
recovery process.
2. Click the node for additional information.
The ECS Maintenance page for the rack appears and shows the status for each node.

Figure 8. ECS UI Maintenance Rack and Node Status

ECS automatically refreshes the page every 30 seconds.

When the replacement preparation is complete, the disk status turns to blue and Replace becomes available for that disk.
The screen capture below shows that the number of disks that previously were in yellow status are now in blue status:

Following ECS UI for SSD status and replacement information 15

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 Figure 9. ECS UI Maintenance Data Disks Blue Status

The ECS UI Maintenance drill-down for that node appears. The Replace option becomes available.

Figure 10. ECS UI Maintenance Node Drill-Down Replace

When the Replace option becomes available, a Secure Remote Services Dial Home event automatically instructs Dell EMC to
send a new disk to your site.

NOTE:

16 Following ECS UI for SSD status and replacement information

Page 21 of 50
 The SSD disk undergoes a replacement process only if its health is FAILED. The read cache SSD replacement is not triggered
based on a "SSD Life Remaining" threshold level.
3. Proceed with physical disk replacement step only when you have the replacement disk available for physical replacement.
● If you do not have the replacement disks at hand, contact Dell Support and ensure that the replacement disk has been
ordered. Continue when you have the replacement disk. Obtain disk information as follows:
○ In ECS UI Maintenance, select the disk for which you want information, and then select left-most arrow in disk row
to expand the disk information.
○ In ECS UI Manage > Events > Alerts which is posted at the time when disk is ready for replacement.
The Alert details are:
Look for alerts such as the following for the pertinent information:
Severity: Info
Decription: Node SN=<service tag> Disk SN=<disk serial number> in rack=<name of rack>,
node=<fqdn>, slot=<slot number> is ready for replacement. Disk Details: Type=<disk
type>, Model=<vendor model>, Size=<disk size> GB, Firmware = <firmware version>.

● If you have the replacement disk at hand, navigate to the node that requires the replacement disk, and that is in blue
status.
4. Click Replace, and then click OK to confirm.
ECS allows replacing one disk at a time per node. After you click Replace for a given drive, you must place a new disk into
the node before proceeding with next disk. ECS does not allow you to select Replace for another drive until you insert the
drive for which Replace has already been clicked.
5. Click OK.

Next steps
Go to the section specific to the hardware type of the target node for the steps to physically replace the target SSD on the ECS
appliance.
Do not replace the disk physically unless corresponding Disk Status in the ECS UI shows Replace Disk and Description states:
Replace the disk according to LED identity and Slot/Enclosure location. Ensure that you verify the serial number of
the disk that you remove from the system against the serial number that the UI displays.

Following ECS UI for SSD status and replacement information 17

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 1
Replace Read Cache SSDs on ECS EX5000
appliance
Topics:
• Replace the Failed Drives Overview
• Uninstalling an SSD
• Removing a drive carrier
• Removing the SSD from the drive carrier
• Installing the SSD into the drive carrier
• Installing a drive carrier
• Installing an SSD
• Post—Disk Replacement Checks

Replace the Failed Drives Overview

ECS supports replacing one disk at a time per node.
Complete both the UI steps of clicking Replace, followed immediately by the physical replacement of one disk within a node
before you can follow same steps to replace another disk in the same node. Replace all disks that are ready for Replace in one
node, and then go on to the next node.
Ensure that the target disk that you plan to physically replace is in the appropriate status. Go to ECS UI Manage >
Maintenance and confirm that you click Replace for the target disk. Following ECS UI for SSD status and replacement
information provides information.
The node LED blinks blue to identify the node for SSD replacement in the front and rear of the node.
There is no LED to identify the faulted SSD. Determine the faulted SSD by the slot location in server. After the new disk is
inserted, the blue node LED stops blinking.

Uninstalling an SSD
Steps
1. Locate the faulted disk that you are going to replace.
The faulted disk should have a blinking LED. If the disk is not blinking, ensure that you are using correct node and confirm
disk location.
The target node should have blue node LED blinking in the front and back of the node.
The read cache SSD for the EX5000 models are located in Drive Slot 1. The graphics below show the location of the read
cache SSD slots.

18 Replace Read Cache SSDs on ECS EX5000 appliance

Page 23 of 50
Figure 11. EX5000D SSD Slots

Replace Read Cache SSDs on ECS EX5000 appliance 19

Page 24 of 50
 Figure 12. EX5000S SSD Slots

Figure 13. EX5000 LED indicators

2. Press the release button to open the drive carrier release handle.
3. Holding the handle, slide the hard drive out of the hard drive slot.

Figure 14. Uninstalling an SSD

20 Replace Read Cache SSDs on ECS EX5000 appliance

Page 25 of 50
4. Go to ECS UI Manage > Maintenance and verify that the disk serial number matches the number reported for the disk you
removed. If the disk serial number does not match, immediately reinsert the disk into its original slot.

Removing a drive carrier

Prerequisites
1. Using the management software, prepare the drive for removal.
If the drive is online, the green activity or fault indicator flashes while the drive is turning off. When the drive indicators are
off, the drive is ready for removal. For more information, see the documentation for the storage controller.
CAUTION: To prevent data loss, ensure that your operating system supports drive installation. See the
documentation supplied with your operating system.

Steps
1. Locate the hard drive to be removed and press the release button to open the drive carrier release handle.
2. Holding the handle, slide the drive carrier out of the drive slot.

Replace Read Cache SSDs on ECS EX5000 appliance 21

Page 26 of 50
 Figure 15. Removing an SSD carrier from expander module

Removing the SSD from the drive carrier

Steps
1. Flex the drive carrier bracket outwards.
2. Lift the drive out of the drive carrier.

Figure 16. Removing the SSD from the drive carrier

Installing the SSD into the drive carrier

Steps
1. Flex the drive carrier outwards.
2. Align the screw holes on the drive with the two pins on the drive carrier, and install the drive into the carrier.

22 Replace Read Cache SSDs on ECS EX5000 appliance

Page 27 of 50
 Figure 17. Installing the SSD into the drive carrier

Installing a drive carrier

Prerequisites
CAUTION: To prevent data loss, ensure that your operating system supports hot-swap drive installation. See the
documentation supplied with your operating system.

CAUTION: When a replacement hot swappable drive is installed and the system is powered on, the drive
automatically begins to rebuilt. Ensure that the replacement drive is blank or contains data that you wish to
overwrite. Any data on the replacement drive is immediately lost after the drive is installed.

Steps
1. Press the release button on the front of the drive carrier to open the release handle.
2. Insert and slide the drive carrier into the drive slot.
3. Close the drive carrier release handle until it clicks in place.

Figure 18. Installing an SSD drive carrier into the expander module

Installing an SSD
Steps
1. Press the release button on the front of the hard drive to open the release handle.

Replace Read Cache SSDs on ECS EX5000 appliance 23

Page 28 of 50
2. Insert the hard drive into the rear of the node into specified slot and slide until the hard drive connects with the backplane.
3. Close the hard drive release handle to lock the hard drive in place.

Figure 19. Installing an SSD

The read cache SSD for the EX5000 models are located in Drive Slot 1. The graphics below show the location of the read
cache SSD slots.

24 Replace Read Cache SSDs on ECS EX5000 appliance

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Figure 20. EX5000D SSD Slots

Replace Read Cache SSDs on ECS EX5000 appliance 25

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 Figure 21. EX5000S SSD Slots

4. If there are any additional failed drives showing as Replace in the ECS UI Manage > Maintenance, perform the
replacement of the next disk drive. Step 3 of Following ECS UI for SSD status and replacement information provides
information.
Do not replace the next disk physically unless the corresponding Disk Status in the ECS UI shows Replace Disk and the
Description states: Replace the disk according to LED identity and Slot/Enclosure location. Ensure that you verify
the serial number of the disk that you remove from the system against the serial number that the UI displays.

Post—Disk Replacement Checks

Carry out visual inspections in the ECS hardware and software once all disks are replaced in a node to ensure that the disk
replacement is successful.

Steps
In the ECS UI, go to Manage > Maintenance.

26 Replace Read Cache SSDs on ECS EX5000 appliance

Page 31 of 50
The disk status should be Initializing and eventually turn to Healthy.
The disk may be blinking showing normal activity, but identification LED should no longer be blinking.
You can proceed with the next disk replacement while the previous disk is still Initializing. Ensure that you check on the previous
drives afterward.

Replace Read Cache SSDs on ECS EX5000 appliance 27

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 2
Replace Read Cache SSDs on ECS EX500
appliance
Topics:
• Replace the Failed Drive Overview
• Uninstalling an SSD
• Uninstalling the Drive from the Drive Carrier
• Installing a Drive into the Drive Carrier
• Installing an SSD
• Post—Disk Replacement Checks

Replace the Failed Drive Overview

ECS supports replacing one disk at a time per node.
Complete both the UI steps of clicking Replace, followed immediately by the physical replacement of one disk within a node
before you can follow same steps to replace another disk in the same node. Replace all disks that are ready for Replace in one
node, and then go on to the next node.
Ensure that the target disk that you plan to physically replace is in the appropriate status. Go to ECS UI Manage >
Maintenance and confirm that you click Replace for the target disk. Following ECS UI for SSD status and replacement
information provides information.
The disk LED is green. The rate of blinking is twice every 1 second, to identify the disk inside node for replacement. After the
new disk is inserted, the node and disk LEDs stop blinking.

Uninstalling an SSD
Steps
1. Locate the faulted disk that you are going to replace.
The faulted disk should have a blinking LED. If the disk is not blinking, ensure that you are using correct node and confirm
disk location.
The target node should have blue node LED blinking in the front and back of the node.
The graphic below shows the location of the SSD slots in the back of the EX500 server. The yellow-highlighted SSD slot is
the read cache SSD slot. The red-highlighted SSD slot is blank.

Figure 22. EX500 SSD Slots

28 Replace Read Cache SSDs on ECS EX500 appliance

Page 33 of 50
 Figure 23. EX500 LED indicators

2. Press the release button to open the drive carrier release handle.
3. Holding the handle, slide the hard drive out of the hard drive slot.

Figure 24. Uninstalling an SSD

4. Go to ECS UI Manage > Maintenance and verify that the disk serial number matches the number reported for the disk you
removed. If the disk serial number does not match, immediately reinsert the disk into its original slot.

Replace Read Cache SSDs on ECS EX500 appliance 29

Page 34 of 50
Uninstalling the Drive from the Drive Carrier

Steps
1. Using a Phillips #1 screwdriver, uninstall the screws from the slide rails on the drive carrier.
2. Lift the drive out of the drive carrier.

Figure 25. uninstalling the drive from the drive carrier

Installing a Drive into the Drive Carrier

Steps
1. Insert the replacement drive into the drive carrier with the connector end of the drive towards the back of the carrier.
2. Align the screw holes on the drive with the screws holes on the drive carrier.
3. Using a Phillips #1 screwdriver, replace the screws to secure the drive to the drive carrier.

30 Replace Read Cache SSDs on ECS EX500 appliance

Page 35 of 50
 Figure 26. Installing a drive into the drive carrier

Installing an SSD
Steps
1. Press the release button on the front of the hard drive to open the release handle.
2. Insert the hard drive into the rear of the node into specified slot and slide until the hard drive connects with the backplane.
3. Close the hard drive release handle to lock the hard drive in place.

Replace Read Cache SSDs on ECS EX500 appliance 31

Page 36 of 50
 Figure 27. Installing an SSD

The graphic below shows the location of the SSD slots in the back of the EX500 server. The yellow-highlighted SSD slot is
the read cache SSD slot. The red-highlighted SSD slot is blank.

Figure 28. EX500 SSD Slots

4. If there are any additional failed drives showing as Replace in the ECS UI Manage > Maintenance, perform the
replacement of the next disk drive. Step 3 of Following ECS UI for SSD status and replacement information provides
information.
Do not replace the next disk physically unless the corresponding Disk Status in the ECS UI shows Replace Disk and the
Description states: Replace the disk according to LED identity and Slot/Enclosure location. Ensure that you verify
the serial number of the disk that you remove from the system against the serial number that the UI displays.

Post—Disk Replacement Checks

Carry out visual inspections in the ECS hardware and software once all disks are replaced in a node to ensure that the disk
replacement is successful.

Steps
In the ECS UI, go to Manage > Maintenance.
The disk status should be Initializing and eventually turn to Healthy.
The disk may be blinking showing normal activity, but identification LED should no longer be blinking.
You can proceed with the next disk replacement while the previous disk is still Initializing. Ensure that you check on the previous
drives afterward.

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 3
Replace Read Cache SSDs on ECS EX300
appliance
Topics:
• Replace the Failed Drives Overview
• Remove the SSD
• Remove the Drive from the Drive Carrier
• Install the Replacement Drive into the Drive Carrier
• Install the SSD
• Post—Disk Replacement Checks

Replace the Failed Drives Overview

ECS supports replacing one disk at a time per node.
Complete both the UI steps of clicking Replace, followed immediately by the physical replacement of one disk within a node
before you can follow same steps to replace another disk in the same node. Replace all disks that are ready for Replace in one
node, and then go on to the next node.
Ensure that the target disk that you plan to physically replace is in the appropriate status. Go to ECS UI Manage >
Maintenance and confirm that you click Replace for the target disk. Following ECS UI for SSD status and replacement
information provides information.
The disk LED is green. The rate of blinking is twice every 1 second, to identify the disk inside node for replacement. After the
new disk is inserted, the node and disk LEDs stop blinking.

Remove the SSD

Prerequisites
Follow all safety guidelines.

Steps
1. Locate the faulted disk that you are going to replace.
The target node should have blue node LED blinking in the front and back of the node to help locate correct node.
The graphic below shows the location of the SSD slots in the back of the EX300 server. The yellow-highlighted slot is the
read cache SSD slot. The red-highlighted slot is blank.

Figure 29. EX300 SSD Slot Location

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 Figure 30. EX300 LED indicators

2. Press the release button to open the SSD release handle.

3. Holding the handle, slide the SSD out of the SSD slot.

Figure 31. Removing an SSD

4. Go to ECS UI Manage > Maintenance and verify that the disk serial number matches the number reported for the disk that
you removed. If the disk serial number does not match, immediately reinsert the disk into its original slot.
5. If you are not replacing the SSD immediately, insert an SSD blank in the empty SSD slot to maintain proper system cooling.

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Remove the Drive from the Drive Carrier
Steps
1. Using a Phillips #1 screwdriver, remove the screws from the slide rails on the drive carrier.
2. Lift the drive out of the drive carrier.

Figure 32. Removing the drive from the drive carrier

Install the Replacement Drive into the Drive Carrier

Steps
1. Insert the drive into the drive carrier with the connector end of the drive towards the back of the carrier.
2. Align the screw holes on the drive with the screws holes on the drive carrier.
3. Using a Phillips #1 screwdriver, replace the screws to secure the drive to the drive carrier.

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 Figure 33. Install drive into drive carrier

Install the SSD

Steps
1. Press the release button on the front of the SSD to open the release handle.
2. Insert the SSD into the rear of the node into specified slot and slide until the SSD connects with the backplane.
3. Close the SSD release handle to lock the SSD in place.

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 Figure 34. Installing an SSD

The graphic below shows the location of the SSD slots in the back of the EX300 server. The yellow-highlighted slot is the
read cache SSD slot. The red-highlighted slot is blank.

Figure 35. EX300 SSD Slot Location

4. If there are any additional failed drives showing as Replace in the ECS UI Manage > Maintenance, perform the
replacement of the next disk drive. Step 3 of Following ECS UI for SSD status and replacement information provides
information.
Do not replace the next disk physically unless the corresponding Disk Status in the ECS UI shows Replace Disk and the
Description states: Replace the disk according to LED identity and Slot/Enclosure location. Ensure that you verify
the serial number of the disk that you remove from the system against the serial number that the UI displays.

Post—Disk Replacement Checks

Carry out visual inspections in the ECS hardware and software once all disks are replaced in a node to ensure that the disk
replacement is successful.

Steps
In the ECS UI, go to Manage > Maintenance.
The disk status should be Initializing and eventually turn to Healthy.
The disk may be blinking showing normal activity, but identification LED should no longer be blinking.
You can proceed with the next disk replacement while the previous disk is still Initializing. Ensure that you check on the previous
drives afterward.

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 4
Replace Read Cache SSDs on ECS EX3000
appliance
Topics:
• Replace the Failed Drives Overview
• Remove the SSD
• Install the SSD
• Post—Disk Replacement Checks

Replace the Failed Drives Overview

ECS supports replacing one disk at a time per node.
Complete both the UI steps of clicking Replace, followed immediately by the physical replacement of one disk within a node
before you can follow same steps to replace another disk in the same node. Replace all disks that are ready for Replace in one
node, and then go on to the next node.
Ensure that the target disk that you plan to physically replace is in the appropriate status. Go to ECS UI Manage >
Maintenance and confirm that you click Replace for the target disk. Following ECS UI for SSD status and replacement
information provides information.
The node LED blinks blue to identify the node for SSD replacement in the front and rear of the node.
There is no LED to identify the faulted SSD. Determine the faulted SSD by the slot location in server. After the new disk is
inserted, the blue node LED stops blinking.

Remove the SSD

Steps
1. Locate the faulted SSD.
The graphic below shows the location of the SSD slots on the back of the EX3000 server. The red-highlighted boxes are
operating system drives. The yellow-highlighted boxes, bottom drives are SSD read cache drives.

Figure 36. EX3000 SSD slot locations

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 The LEDs on SSDs do not light up to identify the disk for replacement. Ensure that you use the blinking blue node light and
visual identification for SSD read cache disks location from the figure above.

Ensure that you replace BOTTOM of the two drives in the node.
The top drives are operating system disks. The operating system disk may show activity, and look like they are blinking. Do
not touch the operating system disks. If you remove the operating system disk, the node becomes inaccessible.
2. Press the release button to open the SSD carrier release handle.
3. Slide the SSD carrier out until it is free of the SSD slot.
CAUTION: To maintain proper system cooling, all empty SSD slots must have SSD blanks installed.

4. Remove the screws from the slide rails on the SSD carrier.
5. Lift the SSD out of the SSD carrier.

Item Description
1 Release Button
2 3.5” SSD
3 SSD Carrier Handle

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 Item Description
1 Screw (4)
2 3.5” SSD
3 SSD Carrier

6. Go to ECS UI Manage > Maintenance and verify that the disk serial number matches the number reported for the disk you
replaced. If the disk serial number does not match, immediately reinsert the disk into its original slot.

Install the SSD

Prerequisites

CAUTION: Use only SSDs that have been tested and approved for use with the SSD backplane.

Steps
1. Insert the SSD into the SSD carrier with the connector-end of the SSD toward the back.
2. Align the screw holes on the SSD with the set of screw holes on the SSD carrier.
When aligned correctly, the back of the SSD is flush with the back of the SSD carrier.
3. Attach the screws to secure the SSD to the SSD carrier.
4. If an SSD blank is installed in the SSD slot, remove it.
5. Insert the SSD carrier into the back of the node into specified slot until the carrier connects with the backplane.
CAUTION: Do not force or drop the SSD into the slot and backplane connectors. The backplane can be
permanently damaged. Slowly and carefully lower the drive into the slot until the cam lever engages. Ensure
that the cam lever on the carrier engages properly.

The graphic below shows the location of the SSD slots on the back of the EX3000 server. The red-highlighed boxes are
operating system drives. The yellow-highlighted boxes are SSD read cache drives.

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 Figure 37. EX3000 SSD slot locations

6. Close the SSD carrier handle to lock the SSD in place.

7. Check the drive LED status to ensure that it is operational.
8. If there are any additional failed drives showing as Replace in the ECS UI Manage > Maintenance, perform the
replacement of the next disk drive on this node. Step 3 of Following ECS UI for SSD status and replacement information
provides information.
Do not replace the next disk physically unless the corresponding Disk Status in the ECS UI shows Replace Disk and the
Description states: Replace the disk according to LED identity and Slot/Enclosure location. Ensure that you verify
the serial number of the disk that you remove from the system against the serial number that the UI displays.

Post—Disk Replacement Checks

Carry out visual inspections in the ECS hardware and software once all disks are replaced in a node to ensure that the disk
replacement is successful.

Steps
In the ECS UI, go to Manage > Maintenance.
The disk status should be Initializing and eventually turn to Healthy.
The disk may be blinking showing normal activity, but identification LED should no longer be blinking.
You can proceed with the next disk replacement while the previous disk is still Initializing. Ensure that you check on the previous
drives afterward.

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 5
Replace Read Cache SSDs on ECS Gen 2 U
Series appliance
Topics:
• Replace the Failed Drives Overview
• Removing a Failed SSD
• Installing an SSD
• Post—Disk Replacement Checks

Replace the Failed Drives Overview

ECS supports replacing one disk at a time per node.
Complete both the UI steps of clicking Replace, followed immediately by the physical replacement of one disk within a node
before you can follow same steps to replace another disk in the same node. Replace all disks that are ready for Replace in one
node, and then go on to the next node.
Ensure that the target disk that you plan to physically replace is in the appropriate status. Go to ECS UI Manage >
Maintenanceand confirm that you click Replace for the target disk. Following ECS UI for SSD status and replacement
information provides information.
The target DAE led blinks to identify the disk inside node for replacement . After the new disk is inserted, the node and disk LED
turns off.

Removing a Failed SSD

Prerequisites
Ensure that you attach an ESD wristband to your wrist and the enclosure with the SSDs you are removing.

About this task

A faulted SSD has an amber fault LED on its carrier. Generally, you should not remove an SSD unless its amber fault LED is on.
Do not replace a faulted SSD until you have a replacement SSD with the same part number available.

Steps
1. Locate the faulted SSD.
The graphic below shows the location of the SSD slots in the front of the Gen2 server. The yellow-highlighted SSD slots are
the read cache SSD slots. The red-highlighted SSD slots are operating system disks.

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 Figure 38. Gen2 SSD Slot Location

2. Push the SSD release tab.

3. Lift the SSD's latch and slowly pull the SSD.
4. Place the SSD on a static-free surface.
5. Go to ECS UI Manage > Maintenance and verify that the SSD serial number matches the number reported for the SSD you
replaced. If the SSD serial number does not match, immediately reinsert the SSD into its original slot.

Installing an SSD
Prerequisites

Steps
1. With the SSD carrier latch fully open, align the module with the guides and gently lower the SSD into the front of the node
of the specified slot.
The graphic below shows the location of the SSD slots in the front of the Gen2 server. The yellow-highlighted SSD slots are
the read cache SSD slots. The red-highlighted SSD slots are operating system disks.

Figure 39. Gen2 SSD Slot Location

The latch begins to rotate downward when its tabs meet the enclosure.
2. Push the latch tab to engage the latch.
3. When the latch is engaged, push firmly on the module to verify that the SSD is properly seated.
The SSD Active light flashes to reflect the SSD activity.

4. If there are any additional failed drives showing as Replace in the ECS UI Manage > Maintenance, perform the
replacement of the next SSD drive on this node. Step 3 of Following ECS UI for SSD status and replacement information
provides information.

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 Do not replace the next SSD physically unless the corresponding SSD Status in the ECS UI shows Replace Disk and the
Description states: Replace the disk according to LED identity and Slot/Enclosure location. Ensure that you verify
the serial number of the disk that you remove from the system against the serial number that the UI displays.

Post—Disk Replacement Checks

Carry out visual inspections in the ECS hardware and software once all disks are replaced in a node to ensure that the disk
replacement is successful.

Steps
In the ECS UI, go to Manage > Maintenance.
The disk status should be Initializing and eventually turn to Healthy.
The disk may be blinking showing normal activity, but identification LED should no longer be blinking.
You can proceed with the next disk replacement while the previous disk is still Initializing. Ensure that you check on the previous
drives afterward.

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Dell Technologies Confidential Information version: 2.3.6.198

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