Question regarding setting up a Raid-0 array

[Cookie Monster]

In short, Im getting a Intel 320 SSD soon to upgrade the main drive (velociraptor) meaning that I will have a spare velociraptor drive left over.

The other velociraptor is used as a game drive and I was wondering if I could somehow create a raid-0 array with the spare velociraptor drive.

Is it possible to create a raid 0 array without having to backup first, formatting the 2 drives, setup the array and then restore the image (or w/e)? Can intel RST do this?

What are the possible options for me?

 

[nanaki333]

you'll have to back it up first. you should be able to get a 1TB for really cheap (even a green drive) for this task.

 

[nanaki333]

just read your sig. why not back up your games to your 2x 1TB drives, or image it over with acronis, then image your new array?

 

[Cookie Monster]

Yeah I think ill image the games drive and then setup the array, then re image it onto the new array. Will that work?

edit - acronis is the best for the job?

 

[Spikesoldier]

intel RST may be able to do it.

intel RST allowed me to expand and add another member disk to an existing RAID0 array. don't know if it will let you do that for a single disk though, but id wager it would let you.

 

[groberts101]

while you are correct about adding another drive to an existing array.. it is not possible to do that with a single non-member drive simply because it's not going to be setup as an array in the first place.

IOW, RST only allows non-member drives to be added to an existing array and drives can't be added where their is no existing array in the first place.

So, nanaki had it pegged correctly already.

also be very cautious about cloning with any version of Acronis prior to 2011 revision as it has been known to destroy alignments. Use backup/recovery instead or be sure to use 2011 for any cloning duties.

 

[Cookie Monster]

Right, just got myself hold of acronis true image 2011. So basically ill make an image of the drive, reformat/setup the raid array via Intel RST and then put the image on the array. That will work right?

 

[nanaki333]

you got it!

 

[Fallen Kell]

you'll have to back it up first. you should be able to get a 1TB for really cheap (even a green drive) for this task.

It depends on your hardware/RAID controller. This is a feature found in some of the more expensive controllers, and even then, it is rare. The NVidia NForce 3 and NForce 4 RAID controller allowed this, but most won't and simply wipe the disks when you create the RAID.

 

[nanaki333]

It depends on your hardware/RAID controller. This is a feature found in some of the more expensive controllers, and even then, it is rare. The NVidia NForce 3 and NForce 4 RAID controller allowed this, but most won't and simply wipe the disks when you create the RAID.

??? i don't get what you're trying to say.

 

[Cookie Monster]

Well I manage to get the results I want after spending along time trying to copy my windows OS to the SSD. What a mission it was. Eventually I had that sorted out after paragon OS to SSD different quite workout due to the systems partition being on the different drive.

Anyway, after moving my OS to the SSD I formatted both of my velociprators, used Raidfix to enable Raid from AHCI and then installed intel RST to create my raid 0 array. Imaged the array with my games folder and volia it worked.

Thanks for that guys! ssds are sure fast. Everything feels so snappy atm.