P3x00 with Storage Spaces Direct

[AFurt1]

Hi,

we got a 4 node cluster running Storage Spaces direct, using P3700 NVMes as caching devices. There seems to be a problem with this combination:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/help/4052341/slow-performance-or-lost-communication-io-error-det... https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/help/4052341/slow-performance-or-lost-communication-io-error-det...

This can lead up to BSOD, which you can imagine is horrible in a production Cluster.

I could not find any information from Intel on this topic. Can anyone help me out with this? I don't know if this is a Microsoft problem, or if a new driver/firmware could help out.

I have also posted this in Microsoft TechNet.

Any help is highly apreciated!

Best regards,

Andreas

[idata]

Hi AFurtenbacher,

So far, there's not an ETA for a solution regarding this issue from our side.Regarding the firmware update, the latest release for the retail version of Intel® SSD DC P3700 Series is 8DV101H0.A different firmware revision is usually an indicator that the drive is an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) version. Judging by the "FJP5" and "FJP9" on the firmware, it's possible these were manufactured by Intel for Fujitsu*.Firmware updates for OEM drives are provided by the OEM, in this case, you would have to contact them (https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/topics/oems.html Computer Manufacturer Support) to obtain firmware updates for this drive. ISDCT (Intel® SSD Data Center Tool) and other Intel tools are not able to update firmware on OEM drives.Best regards,Eugenio F.

[AFurt1]

Dear Eugenio,

we are thinking about changing from the P3600 to the P4600. Can you confirm, that the problem does not exist on the P4x00 series?

Thank you and best regards,

Andreas

[idata]

Hello AFurtenbacher,

Thanks for your reply.The issue seems to affect the Intel® SSD DC P3500, P3600 and P3700 only.We haven't received reports regarding the Intel® SSD DC P4500 or P4600 Series, probably because these models have different structures (https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/architecture-and-technology/3d-nand-technology.html 3D NAND based).Regards,Eugenio F.