Intel's Matrix Raid 1 and 0 - questions :S

Noto

Noto

Noto

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1 Dec 2002
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Hi all, I have recently read a review of the difference between cheap raid 0 drives and some raptors. This is very attractive as it is potentially cheaper than a raptor and more storage. But there is a risk of 1 HD failing screwing up all the data. However Inside this review there was some information on Intel's Matrix Raid 1 and 0.

see: http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/newthread.php?do=newthread&f=88

Intel's Southbridge components ICH7-R and ICH8-R are capable of supporting the Intel Matrix RAID feature
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I have double checked the Intel BadAxe 2 diagram located:
http://www.intel.com/products/i/chipsets/975x/975x_diagram.gif
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It shows it has ICH7-R and the matrix thingie. Does this mean all i need to do is get this mobo and 2 identical model hard drives. Do i need some kind of raid controller card which may help the following:

Be aware that any RAID setup requires dedicated RAID drivers (e.g. Intel Matrix Storage Manager), which can be a problem if you have to boot a recovery system. Any recovery OS or recovery CD needs the right drivers to access or restore a broken RAID array. Before you rely on a RAID array, you should definitely practice handling the worst case.
Click to expand...

Sorry if i sound like a real noob, i tried to research as much myself as possible.
If anyone has experience with this matrix raid 1+0 or has any info that would be a great help. Looking to get 'most bang for buck' yet still be fairly secure.
 
This is where i was a lil unsure. Since the Western Digital Raptor X 150GB WD1500AHFD is £160. Then the Matrix raid would need to be around £160. Therefore I was considering 4x Samsung SpinPoint P HD160HJ 160GB SATA-II 8MB Cache - OEM at 4x £41.11 = £164.44

Now my understanding is that if i use a 4 HD raid matrix. HD 1+2 will be in Raid0 for performance. and 3+4 are in Raid 1 which is a complete real time mirror of 1+2? (is this correct?)

I think this is prob the best option as the stripe half disk matrix thingie is going to reduce the performance. Since 2 drives acting as 4, but only having 2 print heads will be the hugely limiting factor.
 
ah i see, so both are raid 0 but ones a mirror of the main raid.
- Bingo :)

Would you say this is my best bet to set up a performance system with a lil more security?
 
i havent really tried it yet, unfortunately my financial manager Mr Wallet said no :( but i think as a gamer I want performance and I will probably lean towards the 4HD solution mentioned above. Slightly more expensive, more power hungry and a lil nosier but i think I could manage it.


For the price of a 160gb raptor, id get 320gb raid 0 with a 320gb back up raid is ok I think and i would probably still have a spare sata/IDE HD just for unimportant data. But bumping up spend a lil on HD im sure i could end up with 400+ set up which would be sufficient for a long time
 
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