Is Windows XP Raid 5 a viable solution?

[cpals]

Thinking about setting up a Raid 5 for my HTPC and didn't know how the performance was. I read an article on Tom's Hardware that seemed to make it out like an okay solution. If I don't really have the money for a hardware solution, is this a good alternative?

I would most likely have 3 - 250G SATA drives in Raid 5.

Thanks.

 

[imported_Kensai]

It's pretty good, but a four drive RAID 5 gives *way* better performance than a three drive one.
It's a good setup, go for it!

 

[imported_Tick]

However, be prepared. A softRaid 5 setup will use something like 15% CPU power at high I/O.

 

[kobymu]

Originally posted by: cpals
Thinking about setting up a Raid 5 for my HTPC and didn't know how the performance was. I read an article on Tom's Hardware that seemed to make it out like an okay solution. If I don't really have the money for a hardware solution, is this a good alternative?

I would most likely have 3 - 250G SATA drives in Raid 5.

Thanks.

i THINK(?) software raid5 in windows is only available in the windows server(2k/2k3) flavor. wait.....

edit

You can create RAID-5 volumes only on computers running Windows 2000 Server, Windows 2000 Advanced Server, Windows 2000 Datacenter Server, or Windows Server 2003 operating systems.

from http://search.microsoft.com/search/resu...ew=en-us&st=b&na=82&qu=windows+raid+5+

 

[cpals]

kobymu - Link

Tick - I don't think that is a huge deal as it's not going to be used for gaming or intensive programs. The tv tuner is hardware so it shouldn't put too much strain on the computer. If you think otherwise let me know.

Thanks.

 

[kobymu]

ok.. good link

Originally posted by: cpalsI would most likely have 3 - 250G SATA drives in Raid 5.

just remember that the windows cant boot FROM the software raid.
ie you will need at least 4 hdd (1 for os, 3 minimum for raid5)

my apology in advance if im stating the obvious.

 

[cpals]

Oh, I have a 160 SATA for the OS already, just already have one 250 drive I just want to think if I really want to buy two more 250s to do raid... big $$$$.

 

[Jeff7]

RAID 0 and RAID 1 are ok for software/cheap hardware solutions. RAID 5 does extensive data parity calculations when it writes - burdening the CPU with that work will slow down not only the writes themselves, but also the entire PC as well, since the CPU isn't able to devote as much time to the normal workload.

RAID 5 really should only be done with the good hardware cards. Have a look at the cards at Promise's site; their RAID 5 cards have a pretty decent sized, powerful processor on them.

 

[SGtheArtist]

I agree with Jeff7,

It sounds like you are using your HTPC as a Storage Server too. If thats the case I would setup a primary HDD for all the HTPC stuff then a RAID1 array of 2 HDDs for the files.

Just my 2 cents.