Problem Preparing Drives for RAID-1 Array. Formatting?

[OrangeLike]

OS: Windows 7 Ultimate x64
RAID Array: Raidon GR3630-SB3
Hard Drives in array: WD RE-4

I have a Raidon GR3630-SB3 (two drives) that I intend to use as a RAID-1 array as part of a larger backup scheme.

When I place two drives into the array and go into computer management to do a full format on them, the RAID locks up and sets off the alarm once the format reaches about 15-20%.

When only one drive is in the array, the full format works properly, but the Raid again locks up when I try to "rebuild" the formatted drive onto an unprepared one, also at between 15 and 20%.

Am I understanding the process wrong? Should I format each drive individually before placing them into the RAID array?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Emulex]

Typically you have two of the above I suggest a $25 raid card (Br10i,p400/256) if you can afford one.

check your SMART - sounds like cabling or bad drive issue. a raid should never "lock up" unless both drives goes offline in raid-1. which would indicate a driver/cabling issue.

I either Migrate one drive to another - or chose total devastation (faster) when creating a hardware array. Total devastation with raid-10 (aka 0+1 for hp) is instant since there's nothing to do.

 

[OrangeLike]

I'm sorry, I don't follow.

I have an internal RAID-5 that's working just fine. The RAID-1 array I'm using is an external solution with swappable bays. I'm not sure where a raid card would fit into the external solution I'm talking about. ???

 

[Emulex]

oh i see what you have. I have one of those but older i got for like $10 a pop. They suck. pop the drives into your pc and do software raid. check SMART . if it works. return that box. I've had nothing but troubles from various chipsets. POT LUCK. I tend to use those things as RAID-0 and even then it's hit or miss.

Synology/QNAP/DROBO - those are ones that actually work. if you ever have doubts walk over to warehousedeals and search for raid - everything there is returned junk that people try and do not like.

 

[OrangeLike]

1) A NAS or Drobo won't meet my needs. I specifically need a RAID-1 box directly attached to my machine.

2) Is there any reason I can't just attach the drive directly to check it's SMART attributes? Why bother tossing it into a software RAID?

3) Do you format and/or initialize your disks before adding them to your array?

 

[Emulex]

1. Drobo sells a direct attach unit - not a nas.
2. Sure - attach the drive and check it's smart. if its fine(not critical) your "raid box" just sucks. Also you might jumper the drive down to 1.5 speed - junkier cheap raid boxes perform better that way. you should open that raid box up and post pictures. I'd bet $5 on cold solder joints (plural).
3. never - this is why we buy "RE4" and "SAS" drives - they aren't usually junk. if it was a consumer drive then HELL YES.

 

[OrangeLike]

1) Drobo's drives don't mirror. I need a mirroring setup, because I need to take one of those drives offsite weekly as part of a backup scheme. They aren't what I need.

3) I'm using RE4 drives.