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 ). 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!
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 ). 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!