Installing RAID 1 1

[Murugs]

I am trying to get the proper parts to convert my desktop to a RAID 1 PC.

My PC is a P4 2.8 GHz/256mB/40GB system.
My hard disk is 40GB 5400 rpm and interface type is ATA-100.

I need a raid controller and an another hard disk.

I am confused on what controllers should I get, IDE,ULTRA IDE etc...and is it okay If I get a different brand harddisk with more capacity and rpm or should I get only the hard disk of same rpm as my primary.

Any pointers would be helpful.

regards
Muru

 

[rvnguy]

Murugs,

You did not state what OS you are using or the Motherboard type/mfg/mdl.

Many of the newer mobo's have raid implementations on board, albit a combination of hardware/software. If you have this it will provide the raid level redundance that I think you are seeking. But as you stated that you needed a controller I assume that yours does not. For a OS independant solution I would suggest you look at 3ware for a controller. Link here:

http://www.3ware.com/products/parallel_ata.asp

Their, Mdl 7006-2 would provide for a Raid 1 setup with 100 or 133 drives. While they are not the cheapest, they are "TRUE Hardware" implementations with a processor on board to off load the tasks from your main CPU. You might also want to use their mdl for four drives as this would provide an upgrade path for the future at a minimal increase in cost.

While most documentation states that you can establish an array on any/all unallocated drive space, I have never done this and know that if it is successful the efficiency of the array will be at the lowest denominator. I would suggest that you use two drives from the same Mfg and equal in size and same model for your array.

Hope this helps

rvnguy

"I know everything..I just can't remember it all

 

[Murugs]

thanks rvnguy.

The OS is XP Professional.
The Motherboard does not have RAID capabilities.

I was thinking about the promise raid controllers and a seagate hard drive..but could not make a decision as there are IDE,ATA,Ultra IDE,SATA devices...lot of terms and confusing.

 

[cdogg]

If you are just looking for fault tolerancy, then RAID 1 is just that. I wouldn't worry about what kind of drive you buy as the mirror, just anything over 40GB would be a waste.

If you care more about performance, then you need to go for RAID 0 (or if you have 3 hard drives, RAID 0 + 1 will work to give you the best of both worlds). Of course, if performance was your main concern, you may want to upgrade other components in your system first.

Typically, you want every drive in the array to be near identical in performance specs, so that one drive is causing the others to lag. Also, when using drives of different size, only the smaller drive's size will be used. For example, a 40GB and 120GB drive in a RAID 0 array will yield 80GB of space total (RAID 1 would be 40GB).

~cdogg
"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." - Albert Einstein
[tab][navy]For general rules and guidelines to get better answers, click here:[/navy] faq219-2884

 

[cdogg]

so that one drive is causing the others to lag

Sorry, that should say "is not

 

[rvnguy]

Murugs,

Terminology:BrieflyI don't know why we use so many terms)

ATA (Advanced Technology Attachment) is equivalent/same as IDE
Variations of this method are ATAPI & UDMA
IDE - Integrated Drive Electronics
IDE has been updated over time to have faster access.

IDE original and limited drives to 524Mb
IDE 33 also Ultra or EIDE
IDE 66 also Ultra or EIDE
IDE 100 also Ultra or EIDE
IDE 133 also Ultra or EIDE

All the above use similar access convention and are included(in some fashion) on most/all PC Motherboards.

SATA(Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) Begins at 150Mbps rated transfer rate

SATAII or 2 Next generation is rated at 300Mbps transfer rate.

You currently have an IDE/100 (EIDE, or Ultra) drive. You could obtain a similar drive and a controller for EIDE RAID.

You have the option of Obtaining two SATA drives and a SATA RAID controller.

Promise makes a serviceable controller, albeit a combination of hardware/software implementation of RAID, if speed is not you major concern this would be a good choice. If speed is a factor look at the 3ware controllers or just compare the difference in price.

Hope that this doesn't cause more confusion.

rvnguy

"I know everything..I just can't remember it all

 

[Murugs]

That was some real valuable information. Thanks everybody