Review: LSI MegaRAID

With thousands of photos stored on my server, I needed more speed in Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Photoshop, and Sony Vegas.

Previously, I ran software RAID-5 with 6 Hitachi 4TB hard disks, yielding 18TB of usable capacity. Disk performance was quite decent for reads - 380-500 MB/sec, but relatively poor for writes (as most software raid servers are) at 70 MB/sec using ATTO benchmarks. This made Lightroom's photo editing relatively slow and painful.

I tried to speed up the system by using a Samsung 840 500GB SSD as my boot drive (running Windows x64 Ultimate), which was initially hooked up to a Marvell SATA port on my Asus P8Z68-V Pro motherboard. The Marvel controller was performing poorly, as I was seeing 330MB/sec reads and 220 MB/sec writes. When I moved the Samsung 840 SSD to Intel's SATA3/6 Gbps ports, bandwidth increased to 550MB/sec for reads and 340 MB/sec for writes (almost 50-100% improvement!

I decided to try a hardware RAID card to increase the speed of the Intel software RAID-5. After looking around, I found that LSI MegaRAID 9260-8i was highly rated but a bit expensive (around $470 on Newegg.com). This was too expensive, so I decided to see what was available on eBay. A few people recommended looking for a used RAID card from an older server.

I found a seller listing a Dell OEM LSI 9260-8i for $250 (new). This sounded like a good deal, so I purchased the card. I received the card rather quickly, but it took a long time to figure out how to get it to work. First, it would not boot from my motherboard's second PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot (the first occupied by the Zotac GTX 570 Graphics card). Next, I tried the 3rd PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot, and the LSI BIOS popped up. I was excited until I realized this slot only ran at 1x speed (shared with 2 other PCIe 1x slots, a USB controller, and other devices).

I decided to update the firmware on the LSI. However, when running MegaCLI to burn the firmware, it complained about firmware corruption. What the heck! I found it on a bulletin board. I had to install an intermediate firmware release first, then install the latest release. It worked! But what a pain! LSI does not do an excellent job of testing its products.

The LSI's WebBios was impossible to use as my mouse control was unstable. However, I could use MegaCLI commands to do the same thing. So, using quite cryptic commands, I initialized my array (taking over 10 hours).

I decided that if I could not get the LSI Raid card to work in an x16 slot, I would return it. But how? I decided to try it again - I would move the Zotac GTX 570 to the 2nd PCIe 2.0 x16 slot and use the main x16 2.0 slot for the LSI 9260-8i controller. It worked! This had to be one of the more painful RAID installations for me. I can't believe I had to go through the steps to get this to work!

After initializing the disk array, I tried formatting the volume, but Windows x64 reported Format Failure each time. I tried a quick format and a standard format - all failed. I was getting quite frustrated!

I called LSI Technical Support for help, but hung up after waiting on hold for 30 minutes.

Finally, I realized that 4TB drives were not supported by "Basic" disks in Windows. I needed to set the disk array up as a "Dynamic" volume, not a "Basic" volume. Once I converted the array to Dynamic, the quick format worked beautifully.

Computer Configuration

• Intel i7-2600K CPU at 3.4GHz
• ASUS P8Z68-V Pro Motherboard with BIOS 3402
• Crucial Ballistix 16GB (8GBx2) DDR3-1600
• Samsung 840 SSD (500Gbyte) connected to SATA1 of Intel (6Gbps) <-boot drive
• Seagate 1TB ST31999524AS hard disk connected to SATA2 of Intel (6Gbps)
• Dell LSI MegaRaid 9260-8i card in PCIe 2.0 slot 1(running at 8x 2.0 mode)
• 6x Hitachi 4TB Hard Drives connected to the LSI MegaRaid
• Zotac Amp! GeForce GTX 570 Video Card in PCIe 2.0 slot 2 (running at 8x 2.0 mode)
• ASUS Xonar Essence STX in PCIe x1 slot
• Blu-Ray Drive connected to SATA3 (1.5Gbps)
• HP ZR30w 30" Monitor at 2560x1600
• SIIG USB Keyboard
• Logitech MX518 mouse
• 800W Power Supply
• Antec Titan Server Case
• Windows 7 x64 Ultimate

Exact Install Procedure of the LSI MegaRaid 9260-8i
1. Set up the ASUS BIOS in preparation for the LSI MegaRaid 9260-8i
2. Install LSI MegaRaid 9260-8i in PCIe_1 2.0 x16 slot (main slot)
3. Install GTX570 Graphics card in PCIe_2 2.0 x16 slot
4. Boot the system analog in as Administrator

• With the LSI card present, you may no longer be able to change settings in your BIOS because the LSI BIOS corrupts USB mouse behavior.
• You do not need to get into WebBIOS (unless you need to boot from the array). WebBIOS requires a PS/2 mouse, but you can do all the same functions in the MegaCLI command line in Windows.

5. Install the LSI MegaRAID's latest software driver

• Download the latest LSI MegaRaid software driver.
• Update the driver (Control Panel->Device Manager->Storage Controls->Properties->Driver Update (point the driver directory)

6. Install the firmware update using MegaCLI

• Download and install the SI MegaCLI software
• Open a Windows command line interpreter in Administrator Mode
• cd into the LSI MegaCLI install folder
• Do the following commands (see the following guide for more help on MegaCLI):

C:\Users\Admin> megacli64 -adpfwflash -f mr2108.rom -a0

• If the firmware succeeded, great, you're done. If you get a message about disk corruption, you have ancient firmware and may need to first flash an intermediate firmware file 
• Reboot the PC and verify the new version
• Note that a reboot is slow; don't give up hope

7. Create a RAID-5 array using either MegaRAID Storage Manager or MegaCLI

Let's assume we have a server with one MegaRAID SAS card. The first one is already set up, but we have just plugged a disk bay on the second card.

List physical disks on the second card (only print enclosure and slot numbers):

C:\Users\Admin\CLI> megacli64 -PDlist -a0 
Enclosure Device ID: 0
Slot Number: 0
Enclosure Device ID: 0
Slot Number: 1
Enclosure Device ID: 0
Slot Number: 2
Enclosure Device ID: 0
Slot Number: 3
Enclosure Device ID: 0
Slot Number: 4
Enclosure Device ID: 0
Slot Number: 5
Enclosure Device ID: 0
Slot Number: 6

Now we have all the enclosures and slot numbers. Let's create the new array:

C:\Users\Admin\CLI>  megacli64 -CfgLdAdd -r5 [0:0,0:1,0:2,0:3,0:4,0:5,0:6] -a0

Adapter 0: Created VD 0

Adapter 0: Configured the Adapter!!

Exit Code: 0x00

Read Cache, Write Cache, ReadAhead, and Battery

A quick section about performance tuning...

Let's enable Read Cache and always cache data:

C:\Users\Admin\CLI>  megacli64 -LDSetProp -Cached -LAll -aAll

Set Cache Policy to Cached on Adapter 0, VD 0 (target id: 0) success

Enable disks' cache:

C:\Users\Admin\CLI> megacli64 -LDSetProp EnDskCache -LAll -aAll

Set Disk Cache Policy to Enabled on Adapter 0, VD 0 (target id: 0) success

8. Once the array has initialized, you can format the disk and start using it:

• Open Control Panel->Administrative Tools->Computer Management->Disk Management
• Click on Disk Management and select the disk array
• Right-click on the disk and select Convert to Dynamic Disk 
• Click on the disk itself and select Format
• Choose NTFS, 8192, Quick Format, and press OK

The quick format is fast, and you should be able to use the disk immediately.

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Purchasing an Audi Q5 2.0T from Audi of Stevens Creek

Today, I made an appointment to purchase my leased 2011 Audi Q5 2.0T sports utility vehicle at Audi of Stevens Creek. As my 3-year lease was expiring, I decided that the value of my car was much greater than the lease-purchase price.

When I arrived at 12:00 p.m. for my appointment, I planned to drop off the check, sign some paperwork, and be on my way. Most of my other used vehicles were purchased this way (Mini Cooper S, Toyota Sienna XLE), and the whole process was relatively fast at most dealerships.

Audi of Stevens Creek had only one finance person, and he was working with another customer. No one else could print the forms. So I waited and waited.

I was getting ready to leave when another person finally showed up and printed the forms. Even though I was paying cash, I needed to go through a mandatory credit check! So, this ordinarily 10-minute process of signing forms took over 90 minutes!

Even though I paid by check, Audi did not cash my check for about a week, delaying my DMV registration.

I finally received my title and registration about 3 months later.

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Review: Watching Elysium

Today, we watched Elysium at the local AMC Saratoga Movie Theater.

The movie had an interesting take on the future, where all the rich people live off the Earth, on the space station "Elysium," and all the poor, wretched souls live on Earth, suffering from poor health care, crime, and unemployment.

The movie was enjoyable but not profound, and did not develop characters well. However, I still enjoyed it, and it's worth watching at least once.

IMDb has an interesting write-up.

Set in the year 2154, where the very wealthy live on a man-made space station while the rest of the population resides on a ruined Earth, a man takes on a mission that could bring equality to the polarized worlds.

In the year 2154 two classes of people exist: the very wealthy who live on a pristine man-made space station called Elysium, and the rest, who live on an overpopulated, ruined Earth. Secretary Rhodes, a government official, will stop at nothing to enforce anti-immigration laws and preserve the luxurious lifestyle of the citizens of Elysium. That doesn't stop the people of Earth from trying to get in, by any means they can. When unlucky Max is backed into a corner, he agrees to take on a daunting mission that if successful will not only save his life, but could bring equality to these polarized worlds. 

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Test driving the Tesla Model S

Today, we test-drove a 2013 Tesla Model S sedan. After reading about the fantastic reports of Tesla's performance, I requested a test drive after reading about the tremendous reports in Consumer Reports and Car & Driver.

I requested an online test drive for the Model S and confirmed my appointment by phone.
When we arrived at the Santana Row showroom, we found a Tesla employee and checked in.

We were initially promised to drive the Tesla with the smaller battery pack, but it was used for another test drive. So, we ended up going with the high-performance version.

When entering the car, I noticed significant differences in design and control systems (in comparison to my Audi Q5, Mini Cooper S, and other gas-powered vehicles). There was no ignition switch, and the interface for maps, audio, and all other normal controls was replaced by a touch screen display - a giant iPad. The salesman, riding along, explained how to shift the car from Park to Drive, and we drove out of the Santana Row garage.

The car handled beautifully and accelerated effortlessly. There was no shifting of gears (electric cars don't need a geared transmission). The large display near the driver looked like a giant iPad with information on the remaining range, the suspension settings (car height), and the moonroof. It even has a built-in phone, which is used to download new software. You could browse the internet, listen to Pandora, watch videos, and check your email!

To save power, Tesla can activate regenerative braking whenever the driver takes their foot off the accelerator. It was an unusual sensation - whenever I took my foot off the accelerator pedal, the car slowed down (as if I were applying brakes).

The interior is quite lovely and seems close to Audi's level of craftsmanship. Note the giant, oversized iPad controls.

The car is very nice but expensive at $75,000 + tax (for the smallest battery option).

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Review: The Further Adventures of Three Musketeers (Oak Meadow Park)

Today, we saw the play "The Further Adventures of Three Musketeers" by the Los Gatos Shakespeare Company in Oak Meadow Park (on an outdoor stage).

The play is loosely based on Alexandre Dumas' The Three Musketeers series of novels. We enjoyed the performance, and Alex liked all of the swordplay.

It's all for one and one for all in this premiere production, written by Mark D. Pickens exclusively for Festival Theatre Ensemble. This original script is based on the much-loved characters from the novels of Alexandre Dumas. Join D'Artagnan, Athos, Porthos, Aramis and a host of other cavalier-era characters as they attempt some impossible feats in the name of love. Swords, romance, and high adventure abound in this comic romp through 17th-century Paris, where the Musketeers cross paths, wits and swords with Cardinal Richelieu and his minions once more, while they court fine ladies and try to capture a dangerous spy. Polish up your boots, buckle on your swords and join us!

The following characters were in the play:

DRAMATIS PERSONAE

THE MUSKETEERS

D'Artagnan

James Tate

Athos

Ron Talbot

Porthos

Nick Mandracchia

Aramis

Kyle Fox

ALLIES

Brueys, owner of the Silver Bell Tavern,

James Asea

Violette, a bartender, and

Jennifer Grimaldo

THE COUNTESS' HOUSEHOLD

Isabelle, Countess du Clermont L'Herault, Cristi Bocci

Oulette, handmaid to Isabelle,

Cici Hube,r

Jacques, footman to Isabel, le

Max Sorg

RICHELIEU'S RETINUE

Cardinal Richelieu

Joseph O'Loughlin Count De Rochefort

Max Tachis

Captain Renard

Josh Parees

Corporal Cochon

Robin De Les Dernier

Private Mouton

Aaron Michael Parees

Private Vache

Stewart Robinson

CITIZENS OF PARIS

Duchess du Touraine

JC Elfson-Sales

Duc de Touraine

James Barker

Baroness de Crecy

Sarah Birdsall

Madame Ponfritte, confectioner

Alicia Barela

Edward Tredegar (Le Vipère)

Tim Garcia

Actress

Jennifer Grimaldo

Servant

Victoria Jones

Woman

Victoria Jones

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Biking the Wilder Ranch State Park

Today, we decided to go for a mountain bike ride at the Wilder Ranch State Park near Santa Cruz/Davenport, California.

Wilder Ranch State Park borders the Pacific Ocean, offering sweeping views of the nearby cliffs.

There is little shade, and the trail can sizzle in the afternoon sun. Most of the vegetation was dry or burned out.

We rode on our trusty mountain bikes along the sandy trails with our friends.

The trail along the shore was flat, with only a few short ascents and descents. The ride was relatively short - only about an hour.

The beaches are quite lovely, but the surf seemed quite rough.

After we finished the short loop around Wilder Ranch State Park, we continued north to a trail that followed a nearby farm. It was a lovely family bike ride.

Inna had a fun time navigating the narrow single tracks.

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Antwerp, Belgium

Today, we took the train from Brussels to Antwerp, Belgium. We arrived at the Centraal Antwerp Train Station - an impressive-looking building on the outskirts of Antwerp.

The Centraal Train Station is modern and very unique-looking.

Once we stepped outside, we were in the modern-looking Belgian town of Antwerp. We immediately noticed the very wide streets (which are uncommon).

Since Antwerp is known for its thriving and lucrative diamond business, we expected to see many diamond merchants. We were not disappointed -we saw many diamond sellers near the Centraal Train station.

Walking down De Keyserlei Street, we ran into a statue of David Teniers, a famous Flemish artist born in Antwerp.

We continued walking until Meir Street, where many high-end/luxury shops sell their wares.

There are many beautiful buildings on Meir Street in Antwerp.

The streets are full of people and street entertainers.

We saw a beautiful building that turned out to be an indoor shopping mall - Stadsfeestzaal.

We walked inside and were astounded by the ornate, richly decorated building.

There was a beautiful Laurent-Perrier Champagne bar  - shaped like a champagne glass - with drinks served above and below.

The whole look was very modern and unique.

As there was a nice smoothie bar - Zest Juice Bar, Inna and I decided to try some Belgian smoothies (as we needed to inject some healthy food into our European diet of pastries).

The smoothies were delicious.

After exploring the various shops and restaurants in the mall, we decided to have lunch on the second floor, at the "La Place" restaurant.

The sandwiches and salads at "La Place" looked delicious. The desserts seemed quite tasty as well. We had a hard time settling on just a few items.

I get hungry just looking back at these photos.

After a delicious lunch, we walked around the 2nd floor and ran into a gallery of paintings.

We saw some interesting paintings on the 2nd floor.

We exited the Stadsfeestzaal Mall and walked past a lovely bronze bird sculpture.

From here, we decided to check out Ruben's House. We purchased tickets and walked inside the beautifully decorated house of the famous Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens.

Ruben's residence is immaculately decorated with beautiful frescoes, paintings, and sculptures.

Once we entered the house, we saw many beautiful paintings painted by Rubens and his helpers. Unlike many other painters, Rubens painted some of his works himself, and others were painted by his assistants under his supervision.

Beautiful gardens surround Rubens' House.

After visiting Ruben's House, we stopped by for a quick snack at "La Place Restaurant."

After our snack, we strolled to the Cathedral of Our Lady, a beautiful Gothic church in downtown Antwerp.

The Cathedral has tall, beautiful spires and a large clock.

In front of the Cathedral is a statue of Peter Paul Rubens.

Inside the Cathedral are tall, beautiful ceilings, though not as elaborate or ornate as the ones in Notre Dame (Paris, France).

The Cathedral has beautiful stained glass windows (though a bit plain).

The Cathedral also has many famous religious paintings.

The Cathedral also has beautiful, tastefully decorated, tall ceilings.

Notice the Fleur de Lys on the Cross

The ornately decorated front entrance reminds me of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.

After touring the Cathedral, Inna relaxed in nearby Grot Markt Square while I toured a nearby printing museum.



The nearby Plantin-Moretus Museum of Printing sounded intriguing, and I decided to look.

According to Wikipedia:

The Plantin-Moretus Museum is a museum in Antwerp, Belgium honoring the famous printers Christophe Plantin and Jan Moretus. It is located in their former residence and printing establishment, Plantin Press, at the Friday Market.

The Plantin-Moretus Museum possesses an exceptional collection of typographical material. Not only does it house the two oldest surviving printing presses in the world and complete sets of dies and matrices, it also has an extensive library, a richly decorated interior and the entire archives of the Plantin business, which were inscribed onUNESCO's Memory of the World Programme Register in 2001 in recognition of their historical significance.^[1] 

One of the oldest original printing presses in the world is located here in the Plantin-Moretus Museum.

Many types were selected and printed on the printing presses below.

After returning from the Plantin-Moretus Museum, I found Inna sipping a nice cup of coffee in a nearby restaurant.

After relaxing, we walked to the nearby river Scheldt, where a large castle - "The Steen"- was erected.

After touring The Steen (there wasn't much to see), we decided to explore Antwerp's market. We found nothing awe-inspiring, but we liked all the decorated bicycles.

We saw lots of exciting sculptures attached to houses on the street.

Inna stopped by a few boutiques to try on some clothes but found nothing worthwhile.

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