HP VMA-series Memory Arrays VMA3205 & VMA3210 PCIe Direct-Connect Release Notes - December, 2012

• HP is not supporting connectivity to all the host operating systems mentioned in the manuals;
only those listed in Table 1 have been fully tested to the level of HP quality and are
considered supported.
• Only the VMA3205 (5TB) and VMA3210 (10TB) models are supported; other models with
other capacity and memory module capacities are not supported by HP at this time.
Purchase of Stand-alone VMA-series Memory Arrays
When purchasing an HP VMA-series Memory Array separately or without the Configure-To-Order
option, note that you will also need to separately order one PCIe pass-thru card separately (product
number AM464A) for each VMA. The PCIe pass-thru card is needed to connect the PCIe cable from
the array to the host server. The PCIe pass-thru card does not ship with the HP VMA-series Memory
Array.
Front Panel Display Navigation and Power buttons
The front panel Display Navigation buttons beside the LCD display are not functional at this time and
are reserved for future use.
The Power Button on the lower right front of the VMA does not turn off power, but will cause the array
to enter into a logical ‘shutdown’ mode of the array in the same manner as the ‘shutdown’ CLI
command. When going into shutdown mode, the data paths are flushed, the media is taken offline
from and I/O stopped over interfaces to the connected hosts, but the array is left powered on and
able to be managed via the CLI. Use the ‘reboot’ CLI command to bring the array media back online
and allow I/O to the connected hosts. To fully power down the array you must disconnect the AC
cables from the power supplies.
VMA Power recommendations
While Flash memory storage runs cooler and uses less power than standard rotational media-storage
systems, the system may require up to 1200W of power to support full capacity and optimal
performance. On average the system draws approximately 100W + 10W per memory module.
For arrays which have 84 VMA memory modules such as the VMA3210 you are required to use both
200+V inputs to ensure that sufficient power is available in the event of a single power input or
supply failure.
Arrays with 42 VMA memory modules such as the VMA3205 may operate on 110V and will draw
less than 800W of power. However, it is recommended that 200+V be used whenever possible to
enable capacity upgrades without re-cabling.
Caution When Opening or Removing the Top Cover
At times you may need to open or remove the top cover plate of the enclosure while power is still on
for hot-swap of a failed memory module or other maintenance. Caution should be used to not leave
the top cover opened or removed for longer than two minutes. The cover plate of the array helps to
guide airflow through the VMA memory modules while the array is running in order to keep the
memory modules cool. Without the top cover on the enclosure, the airflow is disrupted and an over-
temp threat will be detected. To avoid over-temp and other possible issues, the array will shutdown as
a precaution if the top cover is open or removed for longer than two minutes.