RAID Questions...

[ArvinC]

Hello everybody!

I have a new computer that I'm building (my first one) with a Soyo DRAGON Plus motherboard. I want to use the on-board Promise RAID controler in a 0 RAID configuration. My questions are these:

1) When the time comes to install my OS (Windows XP Pro), do I install it only on one drive, then go back and set-up the BIOS to the RAID array, or do I install it with the RAID array already active?

2) What are the limitations, if any, with running a 0 RAID array other than the fact that if a drive fails, the array fails? For example, can I switch to bigger drives later on? Or add a hard drive on the same channel(s)?

Thanks for any help or opinions!

ArvinC

 

[FOH]

The first thing you need to do is go into the BIOS and set up the raid configuration, then partition and format the drive (I say drive and not drives because you treat them as one drive now). Then you load the OS and anything else you have, just as you normally would on a non-raid drive. If you want to add another hard drive (like for back-up) I would recommend putting it on a normal IDE channel, like with your CD-ROM and run it as a slave, or by itself as master, if you have an empty channel. Hope this helps.

 

[dj4005]

The questions you are asking are pretty generic to RAID-0, so my experiences with Abit models KR7A and KT7 ought to help.

Do the setup on your RAID first. Then, the BIOS will report to the operating system what you have. You then install the O/S and away you go.

Yes - if a hard drive fails, you're RAID fails in RAID-0. JUST LIKE A SINGLE DRIVE SYSTEM!!!! You being prone to failure is as statistically probable as your vulnerability to lightning strike. Take precautions against both (backups), and you are reasonably prepared.

On a RAID, you are limited to the capacity of the smaller drive. So, if you have a system with 2 20-gig drives and replace one with a 40, you've not accomplished anything. Replace BOTH with a 40, and you've doubled your capacity.

 

[ArvinC]

Thanks for your help!

I know that RAID has both it's supporters and detractors here and, in general, everywhere. But, although it may seem a bit like over-kill, just wanted to use the capability my MB came with, you know. Plus, can't help but think it speeds things up somewhat with .wavs, .mp3s and video files.

Again, thanks for the info!

ArvinC