Help with RAID on new install

JaseUK · 27 Dec 2006 at 21:25

Guys,
When I eventually purchase Vista Ultimate (OEM), hopefully, I am after some advice in how to configure my Hard Drives.
Anyroad I fancy installing Vista on a new hard drive possibly a WD Raptor and then use my already owned 2 Seagate HDD's 160GB's for storage, etc.

Is it best I use a RAID arrangement or leave my HDD's as standalone.

BTW - I am clueless about RAID (never used it)

Advice please!!!!!!!!!!!
:confused:

Phil99 · 27 Dec 2006 at 21:46

If you want to get a raptor and use your existing drives for storage I'd recommend using RAID1 to mirror your two storage disks so if one disk fails you don't lose any data. You only get 160GB out of a potential 320GB, but you don't lose any data should a single drive fail, plus you still get the speed of the raptor for your system drive

JaseUK · 27 Dec 2006 at 22:03

Phil99 said:
If you want to get a raptor and use your existing drives for storage I'd recommend using RAID1 to mirror your two storage disks so if one disk fails you don't lose any data. You only get 160GB out of a potential 320GB, but you don't lose any data should a single drive fail, plus you still get the speed of the raptor for your system drive

Thanks

Do I have to format the 2 x 160GB storage HDD's prior to setting up RAID1

Phil99 · 27 Dec 2006 at 22:18

Not sure on that one, you might be able to put all the data on one and mirror it to the other (losing data on one of the drives), but I've never done it before so can't be 100% on that.

JaseUK · 27 Dec 2006 at 22:20

Phil99 said:
Not sure on that one, you might be able to put all the data on one and mirror it to the other (losing data on one of the drives), but I've never done it before so can't be 100% on that.

Makes sense, cheers

JaseUK · 29 Dec 2006 at 11:38

Looked at the raptors, wow they're expensive.

I just want a fast drive to put windows on and use my other 2 x 160gb seagates for storage setup in raid0.

As I play a lot of games would I have to install the games on the same drive windows is on, if this is the case I would need a large drive as a 74GB raptor is not all that big.

:confused:

Andyt_uk · 30 Dec 2006 at 14:24

Consider getting one of the Seagate 7200.10's hdd's. In the real world there just as fast and you'd get more storage on them.

JaseUK · 27 Mar 2007 at 11:32

Guys,
Thought I would resurrect this post as I never did buy a Raptor.

I am still looking to achieve what I detailed in the OP and just want a quiet fast HDD so Vista can be installed on it.

Any further advice would be greatly appreciated

Cheers