Starting a RAID 1 array, need help, have questions

SlitWeaver

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Mar 23, 2013
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Hello Tom's Hardware (first post)! As the title suggests I am looking to start a RAID 1 array and I need help and have questions! :)

Background information:
I do not do a massive amount of video editing or any fancy things that require incredibly fast hard drives. I am looking simply for data backup reliability and protection. I know that the OS should be on a separate drive so I am getting this SSD as a boot drive (might as well have a fast start-up :p ). I am interested in a RAID 1 array because my current hard drive (a piece of junk) has forever endowed me with a fear of data loss. The current trend of decreasing HDD quality is also worrisome...especially in the WD Black series.

First question:
Would a pair of these be good for a RAID 1 array? My RAID array would only be used for storing all of my files (documents, games, etc.) and would not require heavy usage (video editing and other things I hear fast hard drives are good for).

Second question:
Discrete RAID controller or onboard? I currently have this motherboard. I recently upgraded my computer this last holiday season so I plan on keeping this motherboard for some time; however, I know using the onboard RAID can present issues in the future. If it is recommended I use a separate controller, would some one point me in the direction of a cheap, but decent RAID controller? Preferably under 50USD?

Third question:
Any pointers, tips, warning, or anything I should know about before I get into RAID? I've done a lot of reading on it over the past few weeks and feel I have at least a base understanding of RAID, but I'd like to know if any surprises are going to jump out at me before I start. :) Any no-nos I should no about? Stuff like that.

I believe this concludes my questioning session! :) I will ask any more questions that may come up below. I look forward to enlightening responses! :D
 
Same recommendation as always: don't do the raid. Setup two separate disks and synchronize them frequently. Microsofts SyncToy does a good job on that and is free. A raid1 will only copy every virus and corrupted file to the other disk in real time. If you want to go for raid1, at least test the re-assembling after a disk failure by simple unplugging one disk with the mobo software raid.
 

SlitWeaver

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Mar 23, 2013
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What two HDDs would you recommend then? I am avoiding WD Blacks at the moment; any suggestions?
 

PappaSmurfTM

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Feb 2, 2009
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I have been running Running Raid1 for well over 2 years on SSD's and HDD's, with a hot spare. Surley you only transfer Virus's and Corrupt files in real time of there are any in the first place! or the system is miss managed there is not however a 100% foolproof backup something can always go wrong everywhere all at once, if like me your data is important despite my raid setup i also use Arconis True Image creating a complete backup of my Drive on to my external NAS drive daily seems extreme i know but hey my DATA is crucial.