Raid/Windows 7 ... how much $$$?

Sep 29, 2004
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What is the lowest cost solution for something like this?

Bascially want to do a RAID 5 setup. Preferably with three 1 TB drives. And I want it running Windows 7.

I would consider mirroring two 2 TB drives also. Whatever solution is less expensive.

Another consideration is backup. Backing up via USB could be painful. So, I'd need to do network backups. Which means I need more than the basic Windows 7 installation.

I will not be using this system for games. I want a secure system for picutes, music, etc. Performance is a non concern. I do want a 1080p or better monitor though.
 

Zap

Elite Member
Oct 13, 1999
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RAID is not a backup.

If you don't want to lose your pics/music/etc. you need to make multiple copies, not just RAID your drives.

If USB 2.0 is too slow, get USB 3.0. Most (but not all) new motherboards have it already, and plenty of external USB 3.0 drives on the market. They should be almost as fast as the same drive hooked up internally to SATA.
 

Ken g6

Programming Moderator, Elite Member
Moderator
Dec 11, 1999
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RAID is not a backup.
Another consideration is backup.
I think he gets it. Looks like H67 and Z68 chipsets do RAID 5. Here's a cheap board.

I'd need to do network backups. Which means I need more than the basic Windows 7 installation.
Maybe, if you insist on a full MS backup solution. I personally run an HTTP server on my desktop that has access to my backup files, which are stored periodically on a local drive. I then pull them off periodically to my laptop. Of course, my desktop's running Linux, but I see no reason why you couldn't do the same in Windows.
 

mfenn

Elite Member
Jan 17, 2010
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www.mfenn.com
Maybe, if you insist on a full MS backup solution. I personally run an HTTP server on my desktop that has access to my backup files, which are stored periodically on a local drive. I then pull them off periodically to my laptop. Of course, my desktop's running Linux, but I see no reason why you couldn't do the same in Windows.

Or just share the folder our via SMB.