Here’s an overview of some of the struggles getting node003 converted/upgraded to function as an independent computer (as opposed to a slave node in the Apple computer cluster).

• 6TB HDD
• Only 2.2TB recognized when connected to Hummingbird via Firewire – internet suggests that is max for Xserve; USB might recognize full drive) – Hummingbird is a converted Xserve running Mavericks
• Reformatted on different Mac and full drive size recognized
• Connected to Hummingbird (via USB) and full 6TB recognized
• Connected to Mac Mini to install OS X
• Tried installing OS X 10.8.5 (Mountain Lion) via CMD+r at boot, but failed partway through installation
• Tried and couldn’t reformat drive through CMD+r at boot with Disk Utility
• Broken partition tables identified on Linux, used GParted to establish partition table, back to Mac Mini and OS X (Mountain Lion) install worked
• Upgraded to OS X 10.11.5 (El Capitan)
• Inserted drive to Mac cluster node003 – wouldn’t boot all the way – Apple icon, progress bar > Do Not Enter symbol
• Removed drive, put original back in, connected 6TB HDD via USB, but booting from USB not an option (when booting and holding Option key)
• Probably due to node003 being part of cluster – reformatted original node003 drive with clean install of OS X Server.
• Booting from USB now an option and worked with 6TB HDD!
• Put 6TB HDD w/El Capitan in internal sled and won’t boot! Apple icon, progress bar > Do Not Enter symbol
• Installed OS X 10.11.5 (El Capitan) on old 1TB drive and inserted into node003 – worked perfectly!
• Will just use 1TB boot drive and figure out another use for 6TB HDD
• Renamed node003 to roadrunner
• Current plan is to upgrade from 12GB to 48GB of RAM and then automate moving data off this drive to long-term storage on Owl (Synology server).