Fake-Raid SATA controllers. How reliable in case of HD failure?

[Friday]

I am considering using a SATA controller, such as a SIIG SATA RAID controller for a server that we need to rebuild in a hurry. Normally, I'd order a 3ware raid controller, since this RAID controller is a true hardware based RAID controller. But, in today's case, I don't have the time to wait to get one ordered and will need to go to local vendors. Most of these vendors offer software based raid controllers, such as the promise fasttracks, SIIG controllers, and other sub $100 based controllers.

How reliable are these in the case of failure of a single hard drive in a RAID 1 configuration. I'll be using windows 2000 server, so I wont have nearly the setup headaches I'd have if I were to be using Linux. While easy to setup, I do question the ability to rebuild an array if a hard drive fails in the mirrored array.

Any thoughts or case examples on how these fake-raid controllers work in the case of a failure?

 

[Blain]

Originally posted by: Friday
I am considering using a SATA controller, such as a SIIG SATA RAID controller for a server that we need to rebuild in a hurry.

Any thoughts or case examples on how these fake-raid controllers work in the case of a failure?

Are you rebuilding an existing RAID 1 array or setting up a fresh RAID 1 array? :roll:
The actual rebuilding of an array (in case of HD failure), shouldn't be any different than using a "hardware" based controller.

 

[Fullmetal Chocobo]

In my experience, it isn't necessarily their dependability that differs, only their performance when compared to the higher-end RAID controllers. They will function once the RAID array is configured, and they will rebuild the array as a RAID 1 array should. That said, is getting the server configured and online really going to matter, since you are going to have to redo the RAID arrays for a new controller?

 

[Friday]

Well, my coworker and I went with this off-the-shelf adaptec, 1240 is the number stuck in my head. I know it wont be as fast, but hopefully as reliable as the 3ware controllers I've been used to in the past.

Hopefully, knock on wood, nothing will happen to the new hard drives in the system. The driver disk process was easy, via the driver CD.

 

[ch33zw1z]

The cheaper ones aren't "fake" RAID controllers. The difference is they don't have an onboard microprocessor to handle all the RAID processes, so it utilizes the CPU instead.

either way, better off with an Adaptec than a SIIG