Partitions in RAID?

[dchilder]

I am thinking about setting up a RAID configuration. I'm wondering about the ideal size for the HDs to use. I currently partition large drives (e.g., my 200GB has 5 or 6 parititions). I do this primarily because I understand this adds a small measure of protection if I start getting bad sectors (lose one partition, not all of them). Can you use partitions on RAID HDs? Should you? Or is it better to use a smaller HD in RAID without partitions at all? Is there an optimal size in that case? Thanks for any input!

 

[EeyoreX]

Can you use partitions on RAID HDs?

Yes.

Should you?

Doesn't matter, either way the performance is about the same. Do whatever is best for you (I partitioned for my own organizational sanity).

Or is it better to use a smaller HD in RAID without partitions at all?

You need at least one partition to store data. Adding more makes no difference. I'd say, if you are doing the RAID solely for speed benefits (faster OS load, for example) go with a smaller array. If you are doing storage and for redundancy, go for a large single partition array (or partition per your preferance). Personally, I see no real need for RAID0 on most desktops, unless you do things like video editing where the speed makes a real difference. Of if you just have to have that level loaded a few seconds faster.

\Dan