I have several servers that I'm trying to get RAID cards working for.
They are IBM x3650 M1's. The buildin raid controllers are sketchy, and all of my research pointed to using the newer IBM M5015 controller which was used by IBM in the newer M2 version of the server.
I ordered a used one on eBay; and it works like a champ. I ordered 2 more from same vendor, and both came with dead batteries. The controllers still work, they just cant utilize the BBU (battery backup unit).
The lifespan of the BBU is typically 2-5 years, depending on usage, recharges, etc. And most of these BBU's were manufactured in 2010 or 2011.
The vendor already sent me another card, and it's BBU was bad too.
The card new, is nearly $500, and the BBU is typically another $150 or so.
I'm buying the cards for $120 each.
I'm starting to wonder that the idea of getting a functional battery with these used cards is pretty slim, and I was just lucky on the first one. And considering I'm only paying $120 for them, and the BBU is critical, I'm starting to weigh the idea I should just assume the BBU's will be aged, and I should replace them with brand new ones and factor this into the cost. Even if I buy a brand new BBU (which I would have to do anyway with a new card), it's still half the cost.
Cliffs: Buying used RAID controllers and most are coming with bad BBU's. Since BBU's don't last long, and I'm buying them used for a low price, should I even expect the BBU to work? Should I just plan to buy new, fresh BBU's for these cards?
They are IBM x3650 M1's. The buildin raid controllers are sketchy, and all of my research pointed to using the newer IBM M5015 controller which was used by IBM in the newer M2 version of the server.
I ordered a used one on eBay; and it works like a champ. I ordered 2 more from same vendor, and both came with dead batteries. The controllers still work, they just cant utilize the BBU (battery backup unit).
The lifespan of the BBU is typically 2-5 years, depending on usage, recharges, etc. And most of these BBU's were manufactured in 2010 or 2011.
The vendor already sent me another card, and it's BBU was bad too.
The card new, is nearly $500, and the BBU is typically another $150 or so.
I'm buying the cards for $120 each.
I'm starting to wonder that the idea of getting a functional battery with these used cards is pretty slim, and I was just lucky on the first one. And considering I'm only paying $120 for them, and the BBU is critical, I'm starting to weigh the idea I should just assume the BBU's will be aged, and I should replace them with brand new ones and factor this into the cost. Even if I buy a brand new BBU (which I would have to do anyway with a new card), it's still half the cost.
Cliffs: Buying used RAID controllers and most are coming with bad BBU's. Since BBU's don't last long, and I'm buying them used for a low price, should I even expect the BBU to work? Should I just plan to buy new, fresh BBU's for these cards?
