Question about RAID for gaming PC?

FalseIodine

Prominent
Feb 26, 2017
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0
510
So what's up guys, first time posting here. I am looking into setting up a RAID system for my new PC build. I am really into boosting performance and having a dope exterior storage system for my PC. I also plan on having a HDD backup.

My question is, from what I understand systems that use RAID 5 or 1/0 have substantially faster read times but slower write times. Is it possible to mitigate this to increase both read and write times? Does write time really matter as much as read time? Should I prioritize RIOPS over WIOPS? This is all in theory right now, but would love some answers. It's all going to be solid state and I am going to worry about other performances first.

I know alot goes into raid system, whether it is an intergrated drive bay or not. I would like to get the advantages of a raid system while avoiding latency and slow write times for a home PC system. Just an interesting Idea. The system is going be mainly used for gaming/music production. (Yes it's over kill, but when isn't overkill the best option when you have the money? :p)
 
Solution
RAID is not useful IMO on a home PC, particularly if you plan to use bios based RAID. It is easily corrupted by bios issues or even simple updates.

SSDs do not really benefit from RAID, best to get an NMVe based SSD if you want the highest performance.

Gaming does not really benefit much from high speed storage -- not even from SSDs.

Now in answer to your money is no problem comment, then for large volume storage beyond what an SSD will do for you a RAID 5 array using a controller card (such as Adaptec or LSI) can give you fast fault tolerant storage. For example, I use an 8 disk RAID 5 array of 8TB Hitachi helium enterprise drives with an Adaptec 8805 for mass storage. The obvious downside is the cost.

RealBeast

Titan
Moderator
RAID is not useful IMO on a home PC, particularly if you plan to use bios based RAID. It is easily corrupted by bios issues or even simple updates.

SSDs do not really benefit from RAID, best to get an NMVe based SSD if you want the highest performance.

Gaming does not really benefit much from high speed storage -- not even from SSDs.

Now in answer to your money is no problem comment, then for large volume storage beyond what an SSD will do for you a RAID 5 array using a controller card (such as Adaptec or LSI) can give you fast fault tolerant storage. For example, I use an 8 disk RAID 5 array of 8TB Hitachi helium enterprise drives with an Adaptec 8805 for mass storage. The obvious downside is the cost.
 
Solution