HP XW8400 Bios and Raid

[vsukpadman]

Hi all

I stumbled across some posts here and on digis compat docs that with the XW8400 (approved machine) we should be using bios version 1.19?

My Xw8400 has bios 2.24 - should I be going backwards to 1.19? seems odd to do so!

It runs really well, though I have some odd DAE errors sometimes .

Also its mentioned that Raid is a no no... what about that on the xw8400
Bios reports that
Sata emulation is RAID+AHCI
on bootup, it shows that all internal drives (3) are controlled by the raid bios-
Though in raid setup it says that raid volumes are NOT defined , all 3 are non-raid discs

is this ok, and if so , how do I change it for the better ?

any help appreciated!

Bill P
London

[vsukpadman]

DIGI/anyone?

Its a fair question .. the Pt tech docs clearly state that we should be using a particular bios. i.e a very OLD one
Is this still the current advice, or has the page just not been updated?

I would have thought somebody here has the answer ;-)

any help appreciated !

Bill P

[Buccanears]

Hi Bill,

I've been running many xw8400s with bios 1.19 without issue, although the newer HPs shipping
with bios 2.26 cannot be reverted to bios 1.19
Comes up with 1801 microcode Update error...
Investigating....as for drive controller settings, I'll get back to you
Leave your bios alone for the moment until I get some answers.

Cheers

Jules

[compusic]

my 8400's bios version is 2.23, and Pro Tools has no problem with this bios.

[vsukpadman]

Thanks guys ! Much appreciated !
I was beginning to think I was the only one in the world with the XW8400 LOLOL

I do wish Digi would provide ACCURATE information on compatibility.
I bought this machine because it was approved , but I have the 2.24 bios.
I did think it odd to be asked to go WAY back on bios to keep compatible.
Digi- please update the info ;_)

thanks again , and anything you can find out about the raid would be great.
My gut feeling is that the drives are controlled by the raid controller , BUT raid mode is not enabled on any drive , so its fine

cheers again

Bill P

[Buccanears]

Hi guys
Glad to hear you're systems are working. I've asked Digi to confirm bios version for
newer xw8400s and now we wait...
I must have spent a week back in march fighting bios on the early xw8400s and 1.19 was definitely
the go as all other bios versions were extremely problematic (read - stirring a bucket of turds)
My newer xw8400s are shipping with 2.26 but I'm not Digi R&D so we wait...

[Buccanears]

Just another note.
Use Acronis to image your systems at various stages of building a rig on an xw8400.
Clean, and then full image with all apps and plugs.
The HP xw8400 is an excellent platform and using images speeds up rebuilds if required.
Also ensure you RTFM all the Windows optimisation...(duh)
Cheers,
Bucky

[vsukpadman]

Cheers for the info Bucky.. as you say , we wait ...........
As for imaging on Win xp , I can HIGHLY recommend this

http://www.hyperossystems.co.uk/0704...tm#hyperos2006

It allows me to clone os's with no hassle at all. I can reboot into my SIX os versions (Untouched, Vista, Protools, Office, Gaming etc) in seconds, and has been very reliable and easy to use.
Well worth a look in my view !

cheers

Bill P
London

[Buccanears]

Hi Bill,

For the SATA Emulation modes you can leave it on RAID+ACHI, but note that trying to image the system
will be a no go zone. It won't be RAID unless you turn it on in the RAID settings (don't!)

Set it to Separate IDE controller in bios if you want to image.

Basically looks like this:

SATA emulation modes

HP xw8400 workstations use the following SATA emulation modes.

Combined IDE controller Used to image
Makes the SATA controller look like an IDE controller and offers the best IDE compatibility. Only two SATA ports (0 and 2) are available in this mode. This mode is available on the HP xw8400 Workstation.

Separate IDE controller Used to image drive
Offers standard SATA support. Only four SATA ports (0, 1, 2, and 3) are available in this mode. This mode is available on the xw8400. A drive must be connected to 0 and 1 before connecting to SATA 2.

RAID+ACHI Normal operation/not imaging.
Both the RAID and ACHI Option ROMs execute during the boot process. This emulation mode offers the best performance and the most functionality. This mode is available on the xw8400.

Hope this helps, have a safe Chrissy!

BuckyBuckaRooner
PS: still waiting for new bios qualification...twiddle thumbs, twiddle thumbs

[vsukpadman]

Hey Bucky

interesting stuff!.. now when you say that RAID+ACHI is a no go for imaging, Im confused!
I have imaged using HyperOS (as mentioned above) and with Acronis trueimage , and Im in this mode?
I have tried a restore , and it worked no problem !

So I think I will leave it set to Raid+AHCi if that is the best performance wise.

I must say Im surprised that DIGI have not answered this thread about the BIOS version .!
I thought the whole point of a qualified system was that it was SUPPORTED , and we were not digging out info alone :_)

anyway thanks again , and happy xmas from foggy London!

Cheers

Bill P