Raid 0 Partitioning?

[VulcanX]

I am going to setup a RAID 0 2 x 250 GB sata and need to know if partitioning the RAID config will in any way affect the performance esp for my system files, will it run fine if im running 4 partitions on the one RAID solution?
Thanks

 

[Kakumba]

depends. If you were doing a lot of IO to each partition, then you could end up spending a lot of time seeking, but if most of the IO is on one partition, then you would be ok. Any particular reason for wanting multiple partitions?

 

[VulcanX]

Well most specifically to keep my Windows on one seperate partition that wont change after install and want a storage volume, one that has installed software and the last for server 2003, so need dual boot more specifically and also want to keep my windows seperate to keep it running healthy and well
So total of 4 partitions i want, but if its gonna cause damage esp to the drives themselves i rather run only 2 lets say, but also want windows speed kept to the best as well, thats my reason for seperation

 

[DSF]

To be honest, I wouldn't expect to see much in the way of a performance bump using two 250GB drives. You'd probably be better off with a single 500-750GB drive, which would be around the same price and potentially offer you more storage and better performance.

 

[Billb2]

Originally posted by: VulcanX
...need dual boot more specifically and also want to keep my windows seperate to keep it running healthy and well

In a dual-boot setup there is only one boot drive. The MBR, boot loader and boot files are on that one drive. So your Windows installs are not actually "separate".

As for partitions on a single (Raid or non-RAID) drive, it's the same as just putting things in different folders...you just get separate drive letters. Accessing a folder or partition takes the same resources/time.

 

[honolululu]

Just free wheeling from what I've read, but would like to learn.

As for partitions on a single (Raid or non-RAID) drive, it's the same as just putting things in different folders...you just get separate drive letters. Accessing a folder or partition takes the same resources/time.

Wouldn't a partition be more contiguous than a new folder might be? I tried that once. Putting each game in it's own partition to reduce seek time during loading.

Pain in the ass, and don't think it made much difference. Plus I think the OS would need it's own hard drive to appreciate the low seek benefits. So doesn't apply with the OP.

Now I'm running os and games on a 60 GB partition leaving the rest unallocated. Again to reduce seek times. Seems to test well in the benchmarks, for the age of the drives.

Just asking.

EDIT:added links to HDTach benchmark photo links.

7200.9 RAID0

solo 7200.10

 

[VulcanX]

I was running a 400 Gb prior to my escapade and i got the 2 250 Gb Sata2 7200.10 Seagate barracuda, i got them yesterday and set the RAID 0 up and its running like the bomb man! even partitioned its hitting top speeds, i need summin to bench it though, what can i use? and i have seen double speed difference on the two drives, i know you saying bcoz the 500Gb or 750Gb is probably running 2 platters, but i still rate the setup i have is faster, i am not sure if i have to agree with you DSF, no offence but the 2 x 250 Gb is running like a bat out of hell! even without drivers installed, haha