RAID 5 - How?
- Thread starter TheDean
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Associate
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You can only do a write test on a completely empty drive or array.
Presumably you have data on it, so it cannot perform the test.
For just 3 drives I would recommend software RAID.
Not sure what OS you're running, but XP will do the job; Tom's Hardware did a very useful guide a few years ago: http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/using-windowsxp-to-make-raid-5-happen,review-1121.html
Not sure what OS you're running, but XP will do the job; Tom's Hardware did a very useful guide a few years ago: http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/using-windowsxp-to-make-raid-5-happen,review-1121.html
I'm going to be using 4 x 1TB drives in RAID 5 and am leaning towards software. I just worry what would happen if the card fails. I guess the array would die and I'd lose everything?
I'm thinking now of building a server with Windows Server or Ubuntu or something.....at least then I could buildthe array back up easier? Is that right?
I does seem so much easier to buy a Rady NAS or something, but the cost is huge, and expandabilaty is very reduced.
Thank you all for your responses so far guys!
I'm thinking now of building a server with Windows Server or Ubuntu or something.....at least then I could buildthe array back up easier? Is that right?
I does seem so much easier to buy a Rady NAS or something, but the cost is huge, and expandabilaty is very reduced.
Thank you all for your responses so far guys!
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A decent hardware card is more reliable than software raid, if the card dies you buy another and you're data is still intact all things being equal.
If you're motherboard fails the likelihood is that your raid array is dead also even with an exact replacement, R5 software raid on motherboards can be a risky propsition at the best of times.
I can recommend the Perc 5/i cards i've used on for my media rig for over 12mths and they tick all the boxes + at the right price but for 3 drives you're probably better off using Windows Home Server tbh.
Software RAID is completely independent of the underlying hardware, that's one of its main advantages. The only thing you need be concerned with is disk failures, which is where redundancy comes in.
Ubuntu is a great platform for a server if you have some Linux experience and there are plenty of guides around to get you up to speed if you don't.
Ubuntu is a great platform for a server if you have some Linux experience and there are plenty of guides around to get you up to speed if you don't.
Soldato
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Software RAID under Linux using mdadm is rather good but better still go with ZFS and RAID-Z. If it's not ported to Linux properly yet then setting up Solaris is easy enough.
Huh, where did you get this from? It'll work fine with a replacement, even an older RAID controller from the same series will work - at least in my experience of fixing this.
Huh, where did you get this from? It'll work fine with a replacement, even an older RAID controller from the same series will work - at least in my experience of fixing this.
You might have more experience than the average punter playing around with Raid 5 under software raid, forums are littered with ppl losing arrays when their board goes south.
Generally i am speaking windows based raid with intel/amd/nv raid control - linux is a different proposition but the OP didn't sound like he would be going that route tbh so i kept it relevant.
Generally i am speaking windows based raid with intel/amd/nv raid control - linux is a different proposition but the OP didn't sound like he would be going that route tbh so i kept it relevant.
I actually meant raid using motherboard controllers which aren't totally software based but not a true hardware proposition all the same especially for Raid5/6/10 etc.
For sure Linux based software Raid is a different beast.
Associate
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I just got a perc 5i. Rather than buying the RAM heatsinks and seperate fan as mentioned earlier, could I just order one of these -
Akasa Chipset Cooler
and put the heatsink on the exposed chip and screw the fan to the other?
Akasa Chipset Cooler
and put the heatsink on the exposed chip and screw the fan to the other?
No.
the heatsink on the processor is attached with loops, not screws. I originally intended to do what you propose. But its not as straightforward as you think. I unhooked it, and then realised that its next to impossible to get the bar off it (that connects to the hooks) without breaking it. I ended up reattaching it, so that I had something to stick the fan on.
I ended up with my solution because that was the easiest way.
The heatsinks are only £8 extra. Personally, I don't think its worth the hassle of doing it another way.
But hey, might be fun to try lol
the heatsink on the processor is attached with loops, not screws. I originally intended to do what you propose. But its not as straightforward as you think. I unhooked it, and then realised that its next to impossible to get the bar off it (that connects to the hooks) without breaking it. I ended up reattaching it, so that I had something to stick the fan on.
I ended up with my solution because that was the easiest way.
The heatsinks are only £8 extra. Personally, I don't think its worth the hassle of doing it another way.
But hey, might be fun to try lol
Did you have any driver issues? I'm currently using a PERC 5i with 4*500gb machines in a machine set up with ESXi but not really using it to its potential. Tempted to reuse the machine as a windows 7 desktop.
