Hi, I wanted to build a server for home use, primarily for backup, but maybe also for media and web dev server in the future. So I decided I needed Raid 1 (mirroring) over 2 drives to start with.
Bought a cheap and cheerful barebones machine, added a couple of big, quietish, drives, all from OCUK - no problem there. I assumed I wanted 'proper' hardware RAID so added bought a quite expensive Adaptec RAID controller card. System runs Win XP and boots off the RAID.
But I think I've made a couple of mistakes. Guess I should have researched more...
1. Booting: Seems that it's not common practice to have the OS as well as data on the RAID volume, and therefore boot directly from the RAID, at least not when you use a RAID controller card.
And it doesn't work 100%: It boots fine from a power off/on at the PSU, but when restarting from Windows, or using front panel power/reset buttons, the RAID card never sees the drives. Which is annoying when I plan to run the machine headless under the stairs.
So looks like I should really have a 3rd drive for the OS, and boot to that?
2. RAID hardware: If I understand correctly, RAID systems are proprietary so I am tied to the RAID card's manufacturer. I guess I assumed that if the system melted down, the drives could be plugged into another RAID card or motherboard with RAID support. If not, this seems a bit worrying. If you're using RAID on the motherboard, how are you supposed to move to a new motherboard, for example?
Any suggestions? Do I just use software RAID instead (which I think I'd need XP or Vista Pro for?). Or FreeNAS (but I think this would rule out running Apache?) Or do I start messing around with virtual machines?
Getting a bit out of my depth here so any suggestions welcome.
Cheers,
Bought a cheap and cheerful barebones machine, added a couple of big, quietish, drives, all from OCUK - no problem there. I assumed I wanted 'proper' hardware RAID so added bought a quite expensive Adaptec RAID controller card. System runs Win XP and boots off the RAID.
But I think I've made a couple of mistakes. Guess I should have researched more...
1. Booting: Seems that it's not common practice to have the OS as well as data on the RAID volume, and therefore boot directly from the RAID, at least not when you use a RAID controller card.
And it doesn't work 100%: It boots fine from a power off/on at the PSU, but when restarting from Windows, or using front panel power/reset buttons, the RAID card never sees the drives. Which is annoying when I plan to run the machine headless under the stairs.
So looks like I should really have a 3rd drive for the OS, and boot to that?
2. RAID hardware: If I understand correctly, RAID systems are proprietary so I am tied to the RAID card's manufacturer. I guess I assumed that if the system melted down, the drives could be plugged into another RAID card or motherboard with RAID support. If not, this seems a bit worrying. If you're using RAID on the motherboard, how are you supposed to move to a new motherboard, for example?
Any suggestions? Do I just use software RAID instead (which I think I'd need XP or Vista Pro for?). Or FreeNAS (but I think this would rule out running Apache?) Or do I start messing around with virtual machines?
Getting a bit out of my depth here so any suggestions welcome.
Cheers,