In an HCI cluster, adding server nodes increases the storage capacity, improves the overall storage performance of the cluster, and provides more compute resources to add VMs. Before adding new server nodes to an HCI cluster, complete the following requirements:
- Verify that the processor model HBA and NICs are of the same configuration as the current nodes on the cluster and PCIe slots.
- Ensure that all disk types and the amount in each node are the same as the node in use. Do not combine two different disk types in the same cluster or node. For example, you cannot combine SATA and SAS HDD/SSD drives in the same node or cluster. The following table lists the supported options for expanding storage capacity of the cluster.
Table 13. Options to expand storage capacity of the cluster Option 1 conditions Option 2 conditions - Drive is listed in the Support Matrix
- Same drive manufacturer
- Same capacity and endurance
- Latest model
- Latest firmware
- Drive is listed in the Support Matrix
- Different drive manufacturer
- Same capacity and endurance
- Different model
- Different firmware
- Ensure that the BIOS, drivers, firmware, and chipset are as listed in the support matrix.
- Apply the BIOS configuration to the node and configure iDRAC. For more information about configuring the node, see Microsoft HCI Solutions from Dell Technologies: End-to-End Deployment with Switchless Networking or Microsoft HCI Solutions from Dell Technologies: End-to-End Deployment with Scalable Networking. Do not run the PowerShell commands in the following sections of the deployment guide again because the cluster is already created, Storage Spaces Direct is already enabled, and the management network is already excluded:
- Creating the host cluster
- Enabling Storage Spaces Direct
- Configuring the host management network as a lower priority network for live migration
- Ensure that the following tasks are completed:
- Pass cluster validation and SES device compliance tests.
- Verify that the nodes are compliant with the firmware baseline.
- Update the hardware timeout configuration for the Spaces port.
- After the node configuration, update Microsoft Windows to bring the node to the same level as the cluster.