RAID question

[EnTeLeChY]

hey all-

i just got a amd 64 with a MB that supports SATA HD's. I have 1 120GB 7200 rpm drive, and I need more space. I headrd that if I want to setup a RAID config (sorry- im new at RAID), i have to use a drive with the same space and speed (SATA 120 @ 7200rpm) to make it work right. Is that a fact? If so, couldn't just add a 40gb 5400 to get more space? just wnat to figure this out.

thanks

 

[Confused]

If you just want to add another hard drive, without RAID, then just add any old hard drive.

If you want to set up a RAID, then ideally you want a hard drive the same size/speed. Otherwise you will be losing any space on the bigger one that is more than the size of the smaller one.

 

[Sheriff]

Just to add, just add the 5400 HD in another IDE port/place for your added 40 GB space

 

[EnTeLeChY]

thanks alot guys.
I'd love to run a RAID, but I don't know if my pocketbook can afford another 120 7200. But then again- I think I would rather get an external to carry around if I did drop a pretty penny into HD space.
what do you guys think of this link to an external. Price wise, you think I can beat it?

 

[Sheriff]

Just get an External Case with those capabilities and then buy a HD to fit it. (Cheaper and expandable) That way you can upgrade the Space later and if you opt for the 5 1/4 size then you could even switch it out to Optical Drives.

 

[EnTeLeChY]

Quick question-

If my current HD is a SATA 120GB 7200rpm drive, to configure a RAID, would I have to use a SATA HD? could I put a IDE drive in? assuming that the IDE drive is a 120GB and 7200rpm.

 

[Sheriff]

You could configure the RAID with a PATA HD but you would need a SATA convertor and it's just not worth the $'s it would cost esp with that slow 5400RPM HD and then the RAID would run only as fast an become as large as the slowest/smallest HD x2. Just to sum it up you would want another SATA HD at least as fast and as large as the one you have and preferably the same HD and you have to run it through the SATA chipset to configure RAID.