Product

Platform

Dell

Operating system

Windows 2000

Symptoms

Installing v5.21 of the Dell PERC 4e/Di firmware for the PE2800 and PE2850 server results in a degradation in performance.

Cause

The degradation in performance is due to a new feature called Patrol Read.

Solution

It is very unlikely that Dell will fix this problem. Downgrading the firmware will likely be counterproductive in the long run, because running Dell SUU will force a Perc FW upgrade and enable Patrol Read.

From this point forward, you can still use the default firmware supplied by Dell, but you should turn off Patrol Read in the BIOS. Running Dell SUU with the same version or later firmware appears not to re-enable Patrol Read. This will allow Kodak Production and field service personnel to run Dell SUU to update drivers and firmware for new and existing systems without impacting performance.

To disable Patrol Read in the BIOS:

1. Restart the server and, at the PowerEdge Expanded RAID Controller prompt during the BIOS test, press Ctrl M.
2. Select Objects > Adapter > Patrol Read Options.
3. Select Patrol Read Mode and change it to Manual.
4. Press Esc to exit and click Save Changes.
5. Restart the server.

Technical contact(s)

Derek Braendel

Submitted by

Derek Braendel

Date submitted