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).

Cloned the XP hard drive of the computer hooked up to the Opticon qPCR machine using Macrium Reflect Free. Verified that the clone is bootable and operates correctly. Will store one of the hard drives.