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Software vs. Hardware RAID
- Thread starter leeym
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- #3
bofhrevenge2
MIS
Hardware typically uses dedicated hardware built into the RAID controller, software uses the servers CPU so it places extra load on the box.
"Sometimes, a cigar is just a cigar." - Sigmund Freud
"Sometimes, a cigar is just a cigar." - Sigmund Freud
Software RAID is undependable. There are MANY factors that can effect the storage of data because it is essentially controlled by an OS. If the OS flakes out, your data can be toast. With hardware, it is very independent of the rest of the server and will stay intact even if the OS goes crazy. Software RAID is IMO only a consideration if there are no $$$ and you need a redundant workstation. I do not consider it an option for a server.
Hardware RAID certainly is much better than software RAID. Hardware RAID is controlled by resources on the RAID controller. Whereas software RAID is controlled by the OS. If the OS craps out on you...there goes your RAID set/sets and data. If the RAID controller fails...99.9% of the time you can copy the RAID config to a new controller and be set within 4 hours if you have a 24/7 4 hour response contract. Even sooner if you have the same controller readily avaiable. Plus software RAID taxes your system resources...who wants a slower server? Hope this helped
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