Technical Knowledge Base

Dell Compellent Controller Replacement

PRODUCTS AFFECTED

Compellent models prior to SC8000 in which the whole chassis is the controller

Considerations

  • Older, single system board models will require an outage for replacement
  • The old drive MUST be moved over to the new system board/controller before replacement

PROCEDURES

  1. Remove the failed controller
    a. On older models, the Compellent system board may be failing, but still online. If this is the case, perform a clean shutdown
  2. Identify the location of the SSD on the old Controller or System Board
  3. Remove the SSD by releasing any retainer screws and pulling the drive out
  4. Install the SSD into the replacement Controller or System Board
    a. Note: If there is already a drive in the replacement, DO NOT USE IT IN THE CUSTOMER SYSTEM
  5. After installing the replacement Controller or System Board, the system will perform multiple reboots while it updates code. During this time, do not power the system offline.
    a. Note: All network cables must be plugged in before the system will bring a replacement controller online