How do I create a server 2019 - 2 node cluster with internal raid connected storage without using free software ?

Question

Hi All,

having trawled through google and various posts on the subject I still can't find an answer that works, save one which involves using some free software to fudge the presentation of the disks.

I have two Dell T620's dual processor 10 core, with 128GB of RAM and 36GB of RAID controller connected drives, running Windows 2019 Server datacenter. Oh and no budget!! (Thought it was important to mention that).

The plan was is to create a cluster out of these two old servers and replicate VM's etc from our new kit.

What I've discovered so far is that I don't seem to be able to do anything with the Server tools.

I can't use S2D since these disks are RAID controller connected (I even set them up as 8 individual RAID 0 drives but no dice).

I can't use storage replica since it doesn't like internal storage.

The only option I seem to have is to use Starwind's VSAN software which If I paid for I might as well bought a JBOD and stuck the disks in that myself then use storage replica (remember I have NO BUDGET) OR I can use the free version which is err free... and as I, probably wrongly, think you get what you pay for I'm thinking wouldn't be a walk in the park.

So before I invest loads of time in some free software I was just wondering if there were any other options.

I'd also like to ask Microsoft why... Just why in the 21st century it's not possible to do this...

Any assistance, gratefully received.

Answer 1

Hey,

As you have mentioned, S2D doesn't support RAID array. It needs direct access to the drives, as a lot of SDS solutions. In any case, S2D doing a great job in proper scenarios.

Speaking about StarWind VSAN free version, it will allow you creating a 2-node replicated storage pool for a Windows Server 2019 Failover Cluster. The only limitation is you have to work through PowerShell (no GUI available).
https://www.starwindsoftware.com/resource-library/starwind-virtual-san-free-vs-paid/
Our engineers assist our customers, who use free version, on our forum. Worth mentioning, that you can upgrade to commercial version at any time.

Cheers,

Alex Bykovskyi

StarWind Software

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