Need some help with raid.

[SemperFi]

I have an Abit NF8-V2 MB and have a mirror raid setup using the sata connectors. Yesterday I am booting up and notice under the detecting array part of the bootup process that it shows "Degraded Nvidia mirror". Can anyone tell me what this means?

I am downloading the hard drive diagnostics right now. So I will give that a whirl.

 

[RebateMonger]

A degraded mirror normally means that one of the drives has failed.

 

[SemperFi]

Thanks rebatemonger.

I tested both drives today and both test out ok. I had to put them on the pata cable because the sata wasn't recognized by the software. I booted them one at a time and booted them one at a time. One definately had more info on it than the other. About 4 Gig. I am using one of those adapters that convert pata to sata. I don't really have a way to test it but makes me suspicious. I haven't changed cables yet either. I have a few laying around I will replace that also. I did a rebuild on the one the drive that was short of info and it says healthy now. I will have to keep an eye on it.

 

[RebateMonger]

I have a couple of concerns. Note, though, THAT I HAVE NEVER USED AN NVIDIA-CHIPSET MOTHERBOARD.

Based upon what I've read (most from early reports), I'm concerned about the reliabiliity of PATA to SATA adapters. The issues are probably all fixed now, but I, personally, wouldn't use one.

I've also read of issues with NVidia RAID controller software. As in: People losing data. But it's hard to sort out versions and whether the people having the problems understand what they are doing. People lose data on RAID arrays all the time, often because they simply don't understand how the RAID array works and how to handle problems.

I'm not trying to tell you that what you have won't work. It may work just fine. But I'd suggest taking a close look at the Abit Nvidia-chipset forums to satisfy yourself that any RAID issues have been solved.

And, as always, keep ongoing backups of your computer in case disaster strikes.

 

[SemperFi]

I have been using pata to sata adapters since shortly after sata hit the market and haven't had a single problem. Actually I have been using on striped raid on 2 computers here at home. So I do not share your concern of that aspect.

I will check out the link and nvidia concerns. It seems that everytime I buy something without doing proper research I end up paying for it in the end. :roll: