Well, I wasn't mystified by RAID - though I once looked forward to having a RAID 5 array - when I had only a single 80MB SCSI drive and started reading about computers. Actually I'd still be interested in RAID 5 if the cost for a decent controller wasn't so ridiculous.
Anyway - good article - hopefully it stops a few more people from putting valuable data on a RAID 0 or JBOD array.
Always wondered somewhat what RAID3 and RAID4 were, not that I ever really cared ;) Good read - I like these recent storage-esque articles, like the recent DIY home server one as well. Partly because I'm in the market, and partly because there's a distinct increasing need for stuff like that in the home for media whores like myself. Keep up the good work!
Originally Posted by Tyinsar Well, I wasn't mystified by RAID - though I once looked forward to having a RAID 5 array - when I had only a single 80MB SCSI drive and started reading about computers. Actually I'd still be interested in RAID 5 if the cost for a decent controller wasn't so ridiculous.
Anyway - good article - hopefully it stops a few more people from putting valuable data on a RAID 0 or JBOD array.
I got my card for like $200 something a few years ago it even has expandable memory(got like 512mb in there right now). I will say that it is definitely worth it, I previously had a RAID 0 and after it failed I never wanted to lose my data again so I got 3 WD Rapters in a raid 5. It has run great for years and I never turn off this computer. I do however need more drives...
While you may not save hours, loading a map in Battlefield 2142 that few seconds quicker may make the difference of you nabbing the before anyone else gets to it!
The wha???
Quote:
One thing RAID1 should not be considered for is backups.
Filled me in on a few things, like RAID 3 and 4 and RAID 1 only supporting 2 drives, I thought it could be more, like having two redundant drives.
Nice article, just as my own raid card dies in 2tb raid 3 mode :( I can think of replacing it with something better.
I had also come across this page which shows quite nicely the differences between raids with some animation. http://www.acnc.com/04_01_00.html
Incidently if anyone can recomend a raid card that is known to work with vista, I would be happy to hear from you.
(something like 5-8port, sata-II, pci/pci-e)
I think that RAID1 isn't really a good security measure. Just because you got such an array set up doesn't mean that your data is safe. An external HDD that is unplugged from the computer when not used is way more secure.
From my experience, what has caused most data loss is HDD corruption either caused by bad drivers or Windows. RAID1 won't protect you against any of these :(
Nor will it protect you from lightning strikes, Viruses or Hackers. It will only protect you against a drive failure. I'm sure most readers are aware of this, but just in case someone's thinking about using RAID1, keep it in mind, so you don't stand there with your beard in the mailbox when your computer has catched on fire :p
Edvuld, you are talking backups... RAID isn't backup... RAID is protection against Harddrive failure... Safe data is data on redundant array + a good Backup routine.
No, safe data is a redundant array, backups to a seperate location to the main data, furthur backups to yet another seperate site locked in a fire, bomb, radiation and magnetism (including EMP's) proof safe.
Even then I'd still worry ;)
Still, useful article! As it happens I had a RAID5 array fail the other day, it does happen - it helps if you actually pay attention to those "one of your disks has failed" warnings and change it before disk number 2 dies...
Is raid really worth it :? I only have 2 hard drives, a Maxtor 80GB ATA and a Maxtor 120GB S-ATA 1 (150Mb/s) :'( would it be a good idea to raid them or leave them as two diferent drives :?
Well, you'll lose quite a lot in raiding them... RAID requires identical partitions (for obvious reasons). So that 120GB will be used for 80GB. And the only thing that is kind of sensible that you can with 2 drives is RAID1, which is (IMHO at home) unneeded if you have a somewhat decent backup plan.
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ReplyAnyway - good article - hopefully it stops a few more people from putting valuable data on a RAID 0 or JBOD array.
good stuff!
I got my card for like $200 something a few years ago it even has expandable memory(got like 512mb in there right now). I will say that it is definitely worth it, I previously had a RAID 0 and after it failed I never wanted to lose my data again so I got 3 WD Rapters in a raid 5. It has run great for years and I never turn off this computer. I do however need more drives...
Hopefully I can save up for a 1TB :'(
Filled me in on a few things, like RAID 3 and 4 and RAID 1 only supporting 2 drives, I thought it could be more, like having two redundant drives.
I kinda did :?
I know, meant to write "Knew" altered to save you confuzling.
Ok, I get it...
I have yet to have my coffee, these things happen
I had also come across this page which shows quite nicely the differences between raids with some animation. http://www.acnc.com/04_01_00.html
Incidently if anyone can recomend a raid card that is known to work with vista, I would be happy to hear from you.
(something like 5-8port, sata-II, pci/pci-e)
But nothing is perfect, and there's allways something somebody wants added :)
From my experience, what has caused most data loss is HDD corruption either caused by bad drivers or Windows. RAID1 won't protect you against any of these :(
Nor will it protect you from lightning strikes, Viruses or Hackers. It will only protect you against a drive failure. I'm sure most readers are aware of this, but just in case someone's thinking about using RAID1, keep it in mind, so you don't stand there with your beard in the mailbox when your computer has catched on fire :p
Even then I'd still worry ;)
Still, useful article! As it happens I had a RAID5 array fail the other day, it does happen - it helps if you actually pay attention to those "one of your disks has failed" warnings and change it before disk number 2 dies...
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