HP MicroServer Gen8: Difference between revisions

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Another surprise installing Windows Server 2019 was that HP didn't provide or Microsoft didn't include drivers for the B120i RAID Controller. I'm thinking this is on HP, because Microsoft continues to include drivers for Adaptec RAID Controllers that plug into ISA slots. So be prepared to find the "[[wikipedia:F6_disk|F6]]" driver (if you've been around as long as me, you know what I'm referring to) on HP's site.

== Special Note to Installers from the Past ==

==Special Note to Installers from the Past==

Again, remember, I'm writing this long after this server was introduced, so I'm not trying to disparage anyone that has written on this subject in the past. Having said that, here are some tips and information to ignore from other web sites.

* It is absolutely possible to install an OS (Windows or Linux, etc.) on an SSD or 2.5" HDD (no room for a 3.5" HDD) connected to the SATA port intended for an internal CD/DVD drive. An SSD fits nice and snug right behind the plastic plate for the CD/DVD.

*It is absolutely possible to install an OS (Windows or Linux, etc.) on an SSD or 2.5" HDD (no room for a 3.5" HDD) connected to the SATA port intended for an internal CD/DVD drive. An SSD fits nice and snug right behind the plastic plate for the CD/DVD.

* Do NOT install an OS on a Micro SD card in the internal slot because it will run at USB 2.0 speed.

*Do NOT install an OS on a Micro SD card in the internal slot because it will run at USB 2.0 speed.

* If you enable RAID mode on the B120i controller you need the bootable ISO version of Smart Storage Administrator from HP.

*If you enable RAID mode on the B120i controller you need the bootable ISO version of Smart Storage Administrator from HP. I could not get a version of this to boot from a USB device using the most recent version of [https://rufus.ie/ Rufus] or another non-HP utility to create a bootable USB flash drive from an ISO. It turns out the HP USB Key Creator Utility will work. It also works when the ISO image is burned to a physical DVD (it's just over the maximum CD size).

* If you want a 5th disk drive and a CD / DVD drive, it is possible. There's room for the SSD behind a CD / DVD drive. Hook the SSD into the extra internal SSD port and buy a SATA to USB connector and connect the CD / DVD device into the internal USB port.

*If you want a 5th disk drive and a CD / DVD drive, it is possible. There's room for the SSD behind a CD / DVD drive. Hook the SSD into the extra internal SSD port and buy a SATA to USB connector and connect the CD / DVD device into the internal USB port.

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 Another surprise installing Windows Server 2019 was that HP didn't provide or Microsoft didn't include drivers for the B120i RAID Controller.  I'm thinking this is on HP, because Microsoft continues to include drivers for Adaptec RAID Controllers that plug into ISA slots.  So be prepared to find the "[[wikipedia:F6_disk|F6]]" driver (if you've been around as long as me, you know what I'm referring to) on HP's site.
-== Special Note to Installers from the Past ==
+==Special Note to Installers from the Past==
 Again, remember, I'm writing this long after this server was introduced, so I'm not trying to disparage anyone that has written on this subject in the past.  Having said that, here are some tips and information to ignore from other web sites.
-* It is absolutely possible to install an OS (Windows or Linux, etc.) on an SSD or 2.5" HDD (no room for a 3.5" HDD) connected to the SATA port intended for an internal CD/DVD drive.  An SSD fits nice and snug right behind the plastic plate for the CD/DVD.
+*It is absolutely possible to install an OS (Windows or Linux, etc.) on an SSD or 2.5" HDD (no room for a 3.5" HDD) connected to the SATA port intended for an internal CD/DVD drive.  An SSD fits nice and snug right behind the plastic plate for the CD/DVD.
-* Do NOT install an OS on a Micro SD card in the internal slot because it will run at USB 2.0 speed.
+*Do NOT install an OS on a Micro SD card in the internal slot because it will run at USB 2.0 speed.
-* If you enable RAID mode on the B120i controller you need the bootable ISO version of Smart Storage Administrator from HP.
+*If you enable RAID mode on the B120i controller you need the bootable ISO version of Smart Storage Administrator from HP.  I could not get a version of this to boot from a USB device using the most recent version of [https://rufus.ie/ Rufus] or another non-HP utility to create a bootable USB flash drive from an ISO.  It turns out the HP USB Key Creator Utility will work.  It also works when the ISO image is burned to a physical DVD (it's just over the maximum CD size).
-* If you want a 5th disk drive and a CD / DVD drive, it is possible.  There's room for the SSD behind a CD / DVD drive.  Hook the SSD into the extra internal SSD port and buy a SATA to USB connector and connect the CD / DVD device into the internal USB port.
+*If you want a 5th disk drive and a CD / DVD drive, it is possible.  There's room for the SSD behind a CD / DVD drive.  Hook the SSD into the extra internal SSD port and buy a SATA to USB connector and connect the CD / DVD device into the internal USB port.