RAID Question

Marvin · 18 Sep 2010 at 22:18

Is it possible to RAID0 two different sized drives? I didn't think it was, but thought I'd ask.

If not, could I partition the larger drive to the same size as the smaller one, RAID0 the two partitions (one on larger disk and the other disk), then use the remaining as a standalone drive?

Only asking because a second 128GB SSD is a bit steep, but I could use some more performance and space.

Cookeh · 18 Sep 2010 at 22:42

You can RAID0 two different sized drives, but it rarely works very well xD
Not sure bout the partitioning part, sorry.

Zarf · 19 Sep 2010 at 00:15

Yes, you can RAID different sized drives, no need to make partitions - RAID is at a deeper level than that. You will always be limited by the smaller drive (ie a RAID 0 of a 200GB drive and a 500GB drive would give you a maximum of a 400GB logical disk on the array) You are also limited by the performance characteristics of the slower drive, which is why it generally isn't considered such a great idea.

Marvin · 19 Sep 2010 at 00:21

So RAIDing a 128GB SSD and a 64GB SSD would result in a 128GB SSD? But faster presumably than the single drive.

zetec452 · 19 Sep 2010 at 00:35

yes that's right. I don't think I would bother RAIDing the SSD. I'm not sure how the controllers would deal with different sized disks.

Marvin · 19 Sep 2010 at 00:36

Ah well, worth a try.

RAID looks at just the disks, rather than partitions too doesn't it?

zetec452 · 19 Sep 2010 at 00:37

Yep, you partition a RAID set. RAID is at a lower level than partitions.

Marvin · 19 Sep 2010 at 00:38

Bugger.

Shame, now I need moar moneyz for a 128GB disk...

zetec452 · 19 Sep 2010 at 00:38

Isn't 1 x 128GB fast enough

.

Marvin · 19 Sep 2010 at 00:40

Sort of. Less fun though

zetec452 · 19 Sep 2010 at 00:42

haha, true.