adding a RAID1 array to a dual boot system?

[REMF]

i am building a new PC, it will have an nForce4 Ultra chipset in it, and two 200GB Maxtor Max10's inside. most importantly; it will be running Win64 and Ubuntu 5.04 in a dual-boot config.

will it be easier to set up the RAID1 array in the BIOS before any OS's get installed?

or is it easier to install the OS's, then add the second H/D and request the nVidia driver to build a RAID1 array?

anyone suggesting software RAID will get a swift and savage kicking in the balls.

thanks

REMF

 

[Dahak]

Generally it is easier to have the raid built before installing the operating system, at least I find with windows. I dont know about linux.

 

[Canterwood]

Personally I'd set the Raid up first, then install the OS's.

 

[Nothinman]

You'll probably have better luck setting up the array in the firmware, but I have no idea if Linux will support the RAID on the nVidia crap.

anyone suggesting software RAID will get a swift and savage kicking in the balls.

Because the IDE controller you're putting the RAID on is done in hardware? Oh wait, no it's not, kick yourself in the balls.

 

[n0cmonkey]

I'd recommend a decent chipset and hardware raid. Software raid is ok I guess, but hardware raid is pure butter.

 

[REMF]

the consensus appears to (correct me if i'm wrong) that it will be easier to set up the array in the BIOS before any OS's are installed........?

makes sense i guess as using the nVidia drivers for one OS may cause incompatibility with nVidia drivers for the second OS if there are any material differences between the two.

is it possible to configure a RAID1 array in the BIOS before any OS's are installed?

cheers.

 

[Canterwood]

Originally posted by: REMFis it possible to configure a RAID1 array in the BIOS before any OS's are installed?

Yes, if your chipset supports it, or you have a hardware Raid controller card.

Generally a screen will appear during the POST which will tell you to enter a certain set of keystrokes (IE: CTRL+A) to enter the Raid bios setup from where you can configure your Raid .

Once you've setup your Raid, then reboot and install the OS.
The Raid will be transparent to any OS you install, IE: The OS will not detect that you have a mirror setup as its all done at the hardware level.
You should be able to theoretically install any OS's, as long as they have the relevant Raid drivers for the hardware.