RAID setup

cincybengal · Mar 3, 2008, 01:21 AM

Hey Guys,

What are the advantages to doing a RAID setup on a home computer?

xfire · Mar 3, 2008, 01:40 AM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAID

cincybengal · Mar 3, 2008, 01:44 AM

Read that already. It looks to me like it is mostly for servers and enterprise stuff. I am wondering why people do it for home.

xfire · Mar 3, 2008, 01:50 AM

You have to be more specific at home. Gamers use it because its faster(RAID 0). RAID 1 mirrors the first hard disk thereby creating a backup. It all depends on your requirements.

cincybengal · Mar 3, 2008, 01:56 AM

So RAID 0 is faster than a single hard drive?

ktr · Mar 3, 2008, 01:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cincybengal

So RAID 0 is faster than a single hard drive?

Raid 0 interleaves data between two or more hard drives, and in result is faster than a single hard drive, but if one hard drive goes bad...all data is lost.

xfire · Mar 3, 2008, 02:02 AM

think of it like your SLI/crossfire setup a part of the work is done by one hard disk the other part is done by the other hard disk

DanTheBanjoman · Mar 3, 2008, 08:24 AM

On desktop machines most people speak of RAID 0, which isn't actually RAID. However a comparison here with SLI/Xfire is perhaps a decent one. Do note that RAID 0 adds risk of losing data. The array could fail or a drive could die destroying all data on both disks.

Actual RAID levels are there to offer data security and additionally increase performance slightly. With 2 disks your only option is RAID 1, which basically just mirrors data, ie saves it to 2 disks. One drive could fail and all data is safe. This is not the same as a backup though, mirroring is done real time. ie if you get a virus it is on both disks. If you erased your pr0n collection you do so on both disks.

cincybengal · Mar 3, 2008, 02:05 PM

So with the low cost of usb drives, would you say that using RAID for a backup just isn't necessary. It looks like it has about as many strong positives as negatives. And if you are looking for a speed boost, probably more for power gamers than typical users. Would a higher rpm drive be faster than lower rpm drives on RAID?

By the way, these responses more in layman's terms are definitely easier to understand than tech jargon. Thanks!

DanTheBanjoman · Mar 3, 2008, 02:09 PM

The speed boost is close to pointless for gamers, the difference in load times doesn't matter that much. FPS doesn't change at all. higher RPM drivers offer lower latencies which could be a better choice in some circumstances. Then again you can make an array from those as well.

As for USB drives, they're completely unrelated. Like I said, RAID is NOT a backup.

cincybengal · Mar 3, 2008, 02:26 PM

So you don't use it to back up data per se, but to have a mirror of an entire drive so that if one fails, it doesn't effect all of your programs, etc. You just stick in a new drive and it makes a new mirror. I guess the theory is both shouldn't fail at the same time.

If you were to use 2 400gb hdd's, then you would have 400gb of usable storage.

ktr · Mar 3, 2008, 02:51 PM

Yea...

If you were to RAID 1 (aka Mirror) two 400gb, the total usable size will be 400gb.
If you were to RAID 0 (aka Striping) two 400gb, the total usable size will be 800gb.

xfire · Mar 3, 2008, 02:58 PM

yes 400Gb if put in RAID 1 if put in RAID 0 it gives 800Gb.
Are you debating with yourself to set up RAID or not?
edit:- ktr beat me to it.

cincybengal · Mar 3, 2008, 03:06 PM

Yeah, I'm thinking about it. More for mirror than speed. I'm just trying to figure out if the benefit outweighs the cost. Already have a 400gb hd, so I would need another one, but I have seen that some people have a non-RAID drive as well as RAID.

I do know it is very annoying when you lose your hdd. Half the time I can't find the product keys or disks for old software, etc., so a full reinstall is a major pain. I had been looking at it as a backup, which is clearly wrong. Being able to just install a new drive if one fails sounds like a good deal.

twicksisted · Mar 3, 2008, 03:06 PM

I am running four WD3200 RE16 drives in raid 0... got 1.2 terrabytes of storage...
Theoretically its 4 times faster than a regular drive..

To be honest I cant actually tell the difference between it and a normal drive...

AsRock · Mar 3, 2008, 03:17 PM

Best one is Raid 5 i think which gives you the speed of raid 0 maybe a little more with out the thought of losing all your data.

xfire · Mar 3, 2008, 03:30 PM

If you need to do raid then you will have to reinstall windows with RAID drivers installed during the installation. If re-installation is a pain then try creating an unattended windows CD(it automatically does every thing for you. You have to make one yourself). As for back-up there are many backup software

cincybengal · Mar 3, 2008, 04:23 PM

The RAID drivers may already be there. I installed everything on mobo disk so when pc boots up it looks for RAID

AsRock · Mar 3, 2008, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cincybengal

The RAID drivers may already be there. I installed everything on mobo disk so when pc boots up it looks for RAID

And if there not use nLite and add them

.

Chryonn · Mar 3, 2008, 04:54 PM

Personally i don't see the point of striping (two or more drives to make one big partition). you can buy individual massive-size disks anyway. i avoid striping for the same reasons as has been said on here - the potential data loss should one drive die

DanTheBanjoman · Mar 3, 2008, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twicksisted

I am running four WD3200 RE16 drives in raid 0... got 1.2 terrabytes of storage...
Theoretically its 4 times faster than a regular drive..

To be honest I cant actually tell the difference between it and a normal drive...

Quite a risk you're taking for something that doesn't benefit you.

cincybengal · Mar 3, 2008, 05:42 PM

Is hdd failure a higher risk with a RAID setup?

oily_17 · Mar 3, 2008, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cincybengal

I had been looking at it as a backup, which is clearly wrong. Being able to just install a new drive if one fails sounds like a good deal.

If you are just looking to back up your data in case a HDD fails you could try the like of Acronis True Image or Norton Ghost which will create an image of your entire HDD.Then if your disk fails you can use it to reinstall on your new drive.
Just make sure you save the image to another drive from the one you are imaging.

MKmods · Mar 3, 2008, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cincybengal

Is hdd failure a higher risk with a RAID setup?

technically yes, the more Hdds you add the more chance one will fail.

I use raid0 on all my comps and have never had 1 fail, I keep them cool and clean.

I like to Raid0 smaller drives(like 80s) and use a large one for backup and files.

CrAsHnBuRnXp · Mar 4, 2008, 05:41 AM

Maybe this can help you.

http://forums.techpowerup.com/showth...ht=Raid+arrays

I really would like that moved to the storage section since it did not exist before and vote for a sticky!

Mar 3, 2008, 01:21 AM	#1
cincybengal Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 68 (0.03/day) Thanks: 9 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts System Specs	RAID setup Hey Guys, What are the advantages to doing a RAID setup on a home computer?

Processor:	Intel E8400
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Software:	Vista 64-bit

Mar 3, 2008, 01:40 AM	#2
xfire Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Hyderabad,India Posts: 1,166 (0.58/day) Thanks: 367 Thanked 197 Times in 169 Posts System Specs	http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAID __________________ Your one stop source for all thing open source Posting pics the TPU way! http://imkingsnake.blogspot.com/ “if anyone expects great things from the Intel IGP market I want what you smoke k?” -candle_86

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Processor:	Intel E8400
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Video Card:	evga 8800GT
Hard Disk:	WD 400gb
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Case:	NZXT Blackline
Software:	Vista 64-bit

Mar 3, 2008, 01:44 AM	#3
cincybengal Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 68 (0.03/day) Thanks: 9 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts System Specs	Read that already. It looks to me like it is mostly for servers and enterprise stuff. I am wondering why people do it for home.

Mar 3, 2008, 01:50 AM	#4
xfire Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Hyderabad,India Posts: 1,166 (0.58/day) Thanks: 367 Thanked 197 Times in 169 Posts System Specs	You have to be more specific at home. Gamers use it because its faster(RAID 0). RAID 1 mirrors the first hard disk thereby creating a backup. It all depends on your requirements. __________________ Your one stop source for all thing open source Posting pics the TPU way! http://imkingsnake.blogspot.com/ “if anyone expects great things from the Intel IGP market I want what you smoke k?” -candle_86

Mar 3, 2008, 01:56 AM	#5
cincybengal Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 68 (0.03/day) Thanks: 9 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts System Specs	So RAID 0 is faster than a single hard drive?

System Name:	Gateway P7811FX (laptop)
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Motherboard:	Foxconn made systemboard w/ Intel PM45 "Montevina" Chipset
Cooling:	Two Laptop Fans (one for GPU, other for CPU)
Memory:	SuperTalent Micron 8GB (2x4GB) PC3-8500 DDR3
Video Card:	Nvidia 9800M GTS 512MB discrete (1750mb shared) PCI-E
Hard Disk:	WD Scorpio Black 500GB Sata2 16MB 7200 & Samsung 830 series 128GB SSD
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Mar 3, 2008, 02:02 AM	#7
xfire Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Hyderabad,India Posts: 1,166 (0.58/day) Thanks: 367 Thanked 197 Times in 169 Posts System Specs	think of it like your SLI/crossfire setup a part of the work is done by one hard disk the other part is done by the other hard disk __________________ Your one stop source for all thing open source Posting pics the TPU way! http://imkingsnake.blogspot.com/ “if anyone expects great things from the Intel IGP market I want what you smoke k?” -candle_86

Mar 3, 2008, 08:24 AM	#8
DanTheBanjoman Señor Moderator Join Date: May 2004 Location: Utrecht, Utrecht, The kingdom of the Netherlands Posts: 8,498 (2.59/day) Thanks: 41 Thanked 1,453 Times in 1,077 Posts System Specs	On desktop machines most people speak of RAID 0, which isn't actually RAID. However a comparison here with SLI/Xfire is perhaps a decent one. Do note that RAID 0 adds risk of losing data. The array could fail or a drive could die destroying all data on both disks. Actual RAID levels are there to offer data security and additionally increase performance slightly. With 2 disks your only option is RAID 1, which basically just mirrors data, ie saves it to 2 disks. One drive could fail and all data is safe. This is not the same as a backup though, mirroring is done real time. ie if you get a virus it is on both disks. If you erased your pr0n collection you do so on both disks.

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Mar 3, 2008, 02:05 PM	#9
cincybengal Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 68 (0.03/day) Thanks: 9 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts System Specs	So with the low cost of usb drives, would you say that using RAID for a backup just isn't necessary. It looks like it has about as many strong positives as negatives. And if you are looking for a speed boost, probably more for power gamers than typical users. Would a higher rpm drive be faster than lower rpm drives on RAID? By the way, these responses more in layman's terms are definitely easier to understand than tech jargon. Thanks!

Mar 3, 2008, 02:09 PM	#10
DanTheBanjoman Señor Moderator Join Date: May 2004 Location: Utrecht, Utrecht, The kingdom of the Netherlands Posts: 8,498 (2.59/day) Thanks: 41 Thanked 1,453 Times in 1,077 Posts System Specs	The speed boost is close to pointless for gamers, the difference in load times doesn't matter that much. FPS doesn't change at all. higher RPM drivers offer lower latencies which could be a better choice in some circumstances. Then again you can make an array from those as well. As for USB drives, they're completely unrelated. Like I said, RAID is NOT a backup.

Mar 3, 2008, 02:26 PM	#11
cincybengal Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 68 (0.03/day) Thanks: 9 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts System Specs	So you don't use it to back up data per se, but to have a mirror of an entire drive so that if one fails, it doesn't effect all of your programs, etc. You just stick in a new drive and it makes a new mirror. I guess the theory is both shouldn't fail at the same time. If you were to use 2 400gb hdd's, then you would have 400gb of usable storage.

Mar 3, 2008, 02:51 PM	#12
ktr Eligible for custom title Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Bay Area, California, USA, Earth Posts: 6,158 (2.37/day) Thanks: 0 Thanked 708 Times in 595 Posts System Specs	Yea... If you were to RAID 1 (aka Mirror) two 400gb, the total usable size will be 400gb. If you were to RAID 0 (aka Striping) two 400gb, the total usable size will be 800gb.

Mar 3, 2008, 02:58 PM	#13
xfire Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Hyderabad,India Posts: 1,166 (0.58/day) Thanks: 367 Thanked 197 Times in 169 Posts System Specs	yes 400Gb if put in RAID 1 if put in RAID 0 it gives 800Gb. Are you debating with yourself to set up RAID or not? edit:- ktr beat me to it. __________________ Your one stop source for all thing open source Posting pics the TPU way! http://imkingsnake.blogspot.com/ “if anyone expects great things from the Intel IGP market I want what you smoke k?” -candle_86

Mar 3, 2008, 03:06 PM	#14
cincybengal Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 68 (0.03/day) Thanks: 9 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts System Specs	Yeah, I'm thinking about it. More for mirror than speed. I'm just trying to figure out if the benefit outweighs the cost. Already have a 400gb hd, so I would need another one, but I have seen that some people have a non-RAID drive as well as RAID. I do know it is very annoying when you lose your hdd. Half the time I can't find the product keys or disks for old software, etc., so a full reinstall is a major pain. I had been looking at it as a backup, which is clearly wrong. Being able to just install a new drive if one fails sounds like a good deal.

Mar 3, 2008, 03:06 PM	#15
twicksisted Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: London, UK Posts: 2,231 (1.09/day) Thanks: 390 Thanked 358 Times in 285 Posts System Specs	I am running four WD3200 RE16 drives in raid 0... got 1.2 terrabytes of storage... Theoretically its 4 times faster than a regular drive.. To be honest I cant actually tell the difference between it and a normal drive... __________________

System Name:	Cosmos S
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Mar 3, 2008, 03:17 PM	#16
AsRock TPU addict Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: US\ Uk Born Posts: 8,785 (4.07/day) Thanks: 1,669 Thanked 1,345 Times in 1,167 Posts System Specs	Best one is Raid 5 i think which gives you the speed of raid 0 maybe a little more with out the thought of losing all your data.

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Mar 3, 2008, 03:30 PM	#17
xfire Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Hyderabad,India Posts: 1,166 (0.58/day) Thanks: 367 Thanked 197 Times in 169 Posts System Specs	If you need to do raid then you will have to reinstall windows with RAID drivers installed during the installation. If re-installation is a pain then try creating an unattended windows CD(it automatically does every thing for you. You have to make one yourself). As for back-up there are many backup software __________________ Your one stop source for all thing open source Posting pics the TPU way! http://imkingsnake.blogspot.com/ “if anyone expects great things from the Intel IGP market I want what you smoke k?” -candle_86

Mar 3, 2008, 04:23 PM	#18
cincybengal Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 68 (0.03/day) Thanks: 9 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts System Specs	The RAID drivers may already be there. I installed everything on mobo disk so when pc boots up it looks for RAID

Mar 3, 2008, 04:54 PM	#20
Chryonn Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: London, England Posts: 1,013 (0.53/day) Thanks: 24 Thanked 98 Times in 90 Posts System Specs	Personally i don't see the point of striping (two or more drives to make one big partition). you can buy individual massive-size disks anyway. i avoid striping for the same reasons as has been said on here - the potential data loss should one drive die

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Mar 3, 2008, 05:42 PM	#22
cincybengal Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 68 (0.03/day) Thanks: 9 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts System Specs	Is hdd failure a higher risk with a RAID setup?

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Mar 4, 2008, 05:41 AM	#25
CrAsHnBuRnXp Eligible for custom title Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: United States Posts: 5,078 (2.49/day) Thanks: 451 Thanked 640 Times in 526 Posts System Specs	Maybe this can help you. http://forums.techpowerup.com/showth...ht=Raid+arrays I really would like that moved to the storage section since it did not exist before and vote for a sticky! __________________ Raid Arrays Explained Wanna look up your BSOD code? Heatware under CrAsHnBuRnXp http://crashtown.myminicity.com/ind CrAsHnBuRnXP's For Sale Thread

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