Adaptec 71605 HBA Controller + VMware ESXi 6.5.0

[peterbata]

The firmware that came loaded with the card appears to be version 7.6-0 (32136) However, I do not see this particular version listed on the Microsemi site.

I have initialized the 2 drives and created a RAID-0 array. It only takes a few seconds to complete. I was unable to do that a few days ago but now appears to be functioning. I have tried the card in both RAID and HBA mode. HBA mode is the mode that I would prefer to use.

[DGroves]

7.6 firmware is not retail firmware, it's a OEM build

you may wish to install the retail 7.5 firmware from the microsemi website

use the 7.5.0 (32118) build from 2018.

copy the 7.5.0 (32118) build .ufi file onto a exFat 32gig USB drive, (or fat 32 if 8gb or small usb key)

then flash it via the raid cards Bios > Onboard devices > maxView Storage Manager > Administration > Update Firmware menu.

also cheap SAS/SATA cables can be a issue, i look for name brand cables on ebay or amazon

https://www.ebay.com/itm/225110817525?itmmeta=01HT9BAENX0BB3S1K05AMJK5Z9&hash=item3469a67af5:g:w2gAA...

https://www.microsemi.com/product-directory/storage-boards/3686-cables-accessories

[peterbata]

After replying to your last message on March 28 I successfully flashed the card with the lastest firmware that I obtained from the Microsemi site. Microsemi Adaptec RAID 71605 Firmware Build 32118

I had to create a bootable DOS thumb drive in order to do so. You mention these flash instructions:

then flash it via the raid cards Bios > Onboard devices > maxView Storage Manager > Administration > Update Firmware menu

However, I do not believe that these menu options are available if I Ctrl-C into the card. Not on this model anyway

 

 

[DGroves]

i note that you have three 7.2 TB drives and a single 7.1 TB, so unless you only select the three 7.2 for a array or select the 7.1 drive first (and then the other 7.2 drives) the array may have issues

i don't think the card is at fault, i suspect a cable or a software related issue

i have a lenovo p520 that i can try my 71605 card in to check if it works in seeing attached drives if you want me to test this

the 71605 works fine in my personal two z820 systems under vmworkstation

[peterbata]

The HGST drives came fomatted that was. Actually, I did format one of the drives with 4096 sectors. Which I may reformat to 512K. As I have said previously, I intend to use the card in HBA mode only. And, if ESXi gives me anymore grief I may stongly consider an alternate Hypervisor. Unraid in particular. Will keep you posted on my progress. Again I can't thank you enough for the time and expertise that you have afforded me.