RAID - When to set up and how?

[ShivP]

Hi,

I recently set up a basic server with a Pentium, two 1TB HDDs (WD Reds) and some other stuff. Basically, I want to raid the two HDDs so that they mirror each other as there will be some sensitive data on them and I don't want to loose it. When and how do I set up RAID, before installing Windows or after? I have a Gigabyte H87M-HD3 which has 6 SATA III ports capable of RAID.

Thanks

 

[On Holiday]

You should set up RAID before you put any data on the disks at all.

 

[ShivP]

Okay, how would I set it up then?

 

[KIA]

http://download.gigabyte.eu/FileList/Manual/mb_manual_ga-z87(h87)m-hd3_e.pdf

p31-32

 

[Surveyor]

As above and you need to press press ctrl-I when the Intel RAID screen appears during boot.

FYI RAID 1 isn't a backup solution.

It'll allow continued use of the server if one drive fails but won't protect you from accidentally deleting files, if you're infected with a virus, a major fault with the controller etc.

 

[ShivP]

Hmm, which RAID type would you recommend then, bearing in mind I have the two drives.

 

[Surveyor]

For redundancy RAID 1 is the best option but if the data is important it should be backed up elsewhere as well.

 

[Ethermaster]

Go into your BIOS and change the storage options from either IDE or AHCI to RAID this will unlock a new section during your POST "configure" RAID setting, mash the key with this option.

Then select create raid, give it a name, pick the drive and raid config (RAID 1 for mirroring 2 drives) and bobs your uncle your done just be aware that all data on these drives will be lost as creating the RAID array will format the drives.

 

[ShivP]

For redundancy RAID 1 is the best option but if the data is important it should be backed up elsewhere as well.

Yes, the important parts will be backed up on Google Drive as well, so it should be alright.

 

[scotsdragon]

Raid 0 = striped pros speed (shares work loads across the disk. cons no redundancy and if one disk fails the raid goes down.

Raid 1 = mirrored Pros good redundancy if one drive fails replace second disk will rebuild it. Cons redundancy is all you gain can also be alittle slower as it automatically copy's anything you put on first drive (affectively writing the same data twice)

Raid 5 = (min 3 HDD) striped with parity you lose one HDD to parity so if you have 3 x 2tb (6tb) you lose one disc 2tb to parity. Pros you have speed increase of raid 0, with the ability of being able to lose one disc to failure without compromising your data (slot in new drive and parity will rebuild it).

 

[ShivP]

Okay, I set up the RAID as suggested, tried to install windows. It got right to the end and this happened;

http://i.imgur.com/16lbMVy.jpg

 

[scotsdragon]

Did you install the raid drivers?

 

[ShivP]

Well I couldn't as Windows didn't install

 

[Surveyor]

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2466753

Does that apply?

Have a look at Resolution Method 1.

 

[scotsdragon]

(just noticed the above post ) Put the drivers for your mobo on a usb stick or disk when installing windows and you are on the partitions page (where it asks you to select the hard drive look bottom left of the box there is a button to select and install additional drivers, load your raid driver for the mobo there)