n00by RAID question

Aelred89 · 23 Feb 2007 at 23:49

Hey guys, i've been reading my mo/bo specs (DS3) and it refers to inbuit RAID control... i understand this is to control multiple hard drives (i've never had more than one :rolleyes:

) I want to run 2 Barracuda 7200.10 drives, will my mobo configure them automatically or will it require some fiddling/ a raid controler card? Also Would you suggest RAID 0 or RAID 1? I understand the basics of each but don't really know which is best?

Many thanks Aelred89

Cob · 24 Feb 2007 at 00:08

You need to select RAID in the BIOS. Then after rebooting enter the RAID BIOS screen that appears after the main POST screen. It should automatically select the two hard drives for you. All you need to do is choose between striping (RAID 0) and mirroring (RAID 1).

If it's speed you're after go for RAID 0. And select a block size of 32k or 64k.

You'll also need to load the RAID drivers from a floppy for when you start the XP install.

Oh and you'll need to use the two purple SATA connectors for RAID on the DS3.

Aelred89 · 24 Feb 2007 at 07:52

Hmmm, 2 slight problem, my mobo didn't come with a floppy disc and my system doesnt have a floppy drive lol

WoZZeR · 24 Feb 2007 at 07:59

You could check out the M/B's website and your cd's for the drivers perhaps, as for the floppy drive, I got a nice black one from OCUK for a fiver.

rpstewart · 24 Feb 2007 at 09:04

You can also use nLite to create a custom XP install CD with the drivers already integrated onto it along with SP2 and settings like your CD Key etc.

Aelred89 · 25 Feb 2007 at 15:53

So do you think a floppy drive is still vital for a system? I haven't had one for a good 3 years lol My driver cd has RAID drivers on it i think, i'm guessing you can't take the xp disc out during install?

rpstewart · 25 Feb 2007 at 16:02

As I said a floppy isn't necessary when you can create a new install CD which includes the drivers with nLite.

You can remove the XP CD during the install but the simple fact is that the install program can only read text mode storage drivers from the install CD or a floppy.

Go look at nLite.

Aelred89 · 26 Feb 2007 at 21:06

nlite looks like a very useful tool if you know what you're doing, but alas.. i don't lol I think it'll be easier once i'm using it on my new system?