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Disk health (smartctl)

Monitor dedicated server disk health on HolyCloud with smartmontools and smartctl, interpret SMART, and plan replacement.

~9 dk. okuma Acemi #smartctl #disks #smart #dedie

Disk health (smartctl)

Dedicated server disks eventually fail. SMART (Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology) reports reallocated sectors, read errors, and SSD wear before total failure. smartctl is part of the smartmontools package.

Prerequisites

  • Linux dedicated server with root access
  • SATA/SAS/NVMe disks recognized by controller (hardware RAID may hide SMART — see below)
  • No destructive tests during production hours without a maintenance window

Installation

sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y smartmontools
sudo systemctl enable --now smartd

Identify disks

lsblk -d -o NAME,SIZE,MODEL,ROTA
sudo smartctl --scan

Example paths:

------ --------
SATA /dev/sda
NVMe /dev/nvme0

First SMART read

sudo smartctl -a /dev/sda
sudo smartctl -a /dev/nvme0

Critical attributes (HDD):

---------- ---------------
Reallocated_Sector_Ct Remapped bad sectors — > 0 to watch
UDMA_CRC_Error_Count Often faulty cable/SAS

SSD NVMe: check Percentage Used, Media Errors, Available Spare.

Short test (non-destructive)

sudo smartctl -t short /dev/sda
# wait ~2 min
sudo smartctl -a /dev/sda | tail -20

Long test (HDD, several hours):

sudo smartctl -t long /dev/sda

Plan a maintenance window — high I/O.

smartd: automatic alerts

Edit /etc/smartd.conf:

/dev/sda -a -o on -S on -s (S/../.././02|L/../../6/03) -m root@localhost
/dev/nvme0 -a -o on -S on -m root@localhost
  • -s: scheduled tests (short daily, long weekly)
  • -m: email (configure postfix or HolyCloud relay)
sudo systemctl restart smartd
sudo smartctl -i /dev/sda | grep -i smart

Hardware RAID (MegaRAID, etc.)

Physical disk may be /dev/bus/0 — use controller tools:

# MegaRAID example
sudo apt install -y megacli
# or storcli from vendor

Ask HolyCloud support for RAID model for exact smartctl -d megaraid,N -a /dev/sda command.

Quick interpretation

sudo smartctl -H /dev/sda
---------- --------
FAILED Immediate backup, disk replacement ticket
Inconsistent data Cable, backplane, controller

Logging

sudo smartctl -a /dev/sda > /root/smart-sda-$(date +%F).txt

Keep monthly history to see counter drift.

Dedicated server best practices

  • Monitor all RAID disks, not only the visible logical volume.
  • Pair SMART with off-server backups (S3, another DC).
  • After HolyCloud disk replacement, rerun smartctl -t short.

Troubleshooting

---------- -------
SMART Disabled smartctl -s on /dev/sda
Device open failed Disk in RAID without -d option
NVMe « unknown» Update smartmontools

Need help?

Open a ticket with full smartctl -a output, disk serial (panel / IPMI), and slot for warranty replacement.