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OK, from what I've been seeing online (including at this link Repurpose spare drive in HP ProLiant RAID 5 array) it should be pretty simple to do what I need. I just want to get confirmation, since I haven't dealt with RAID arrays in years (when nothing like this was possible).

Basically, we have a ProLiant DL380 G7, running version 8.70.9.0 of the Array Config Utility. We have 2 arrays setup on it as: Array A - 2 600 GB drives in RAID 1

Array B - 5 600 GB drives in RAID 5

  • 1 600 GB drive as a shared spare

The server itself is a Server 2008 R2 Hyper-V host, holding the DC, file server, and SCCM DP for a smaller site. However, the Hyper-V host is down to about 50 GB's of free space. What we were thinking as a temporary fix (until they can purchase a new server next year), is to remove the spare, and add it to Array B to increase the available space.

Again, from what I can tell online, removing the spare and adding it to and expanding Array B should all be possible while the server is running. Just Manage Spare Drives, uncheck the drive in Bay 8 (it looks like I need to uncheck it for both arrays?), then after that's done add it to Array B and extend it.

Can anyone tell me if I have any incorrect information or assumptions? Thanks in advance.

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This is correct, and is entirely possible as long as there's a cache module on your Smart Array P410 controller and the battery/flash module is healthy.

This operation can be performed online, but please understand the the extension of Array B won't be possible until the RAID5 is "transformed" (basically, the data needs to be redistributed across the new set of disks). That portion may take awhile.

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  • Are you referring to this information? Also, the part about extending Array B taking a while is understood, and expected, but thanks. Array Accelerator Array Accelerator Present Yes Cache Status OK Array Accelerator (Cache) Ratio 25% Read / 75% Write Total Cache Size 1024 MB Cache Backup Power Source Capacitor Battery/Capacitor Pack Count 1 Battery/Capacitor Status OK Mar 15, 2016 at 17:15
  • Okay. You should be fine.
    – ewwhite
    Mar 15, 2016 at 17:26

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