150GB Raptor + 400GB Caviar vs 2 Caviars in Raid 0

Hi,

I'm new to the forums. I'm trying to put together my first system since 3 years. A lot has changed since the last time I played with hardware. So please excuse my inexperience.

I'll mainly use the computer to develop websites, but I like trying many things like installing Linux distros and even some content creation. I don't mind gaming either, but anything I choose is better than what I currently have (60GB at 4200 RPM; yep, I'm playing games on a 3 year old notebook).

For storage, I've come up with two options. The first is to use a 150GB raptor for system and program files and a 400GB caviar to store my files. The two drives would be seperate (i.e.: no raid), just like the IDE days. ($510)

The other option is to go with two 400GB caviar drives in a raid 0 configuration. This option costs less and gives me more storage. ($420)

1. Which one would you recommend and why?

2. Is drive failure a real concern if I go with the second option (raid 0)?
I've never had a drive failure in my life!

3. Is on board raid good enough for the second option or do I need anything else?
The motherboard I chose is the ASUS A8N32-SLI Deluxe. Here is what newegg has to say about its storage capabilities:
P ATA: 2 x ATA100 up to 4 Devices
SATA II: 6
S ATA RAID: NV RAID 0/1/0+1 JBOD
Additional RAID Controller: Sil 3132

Thanks a lot for your help

Actually, there is a new review of the 150GB raptor here in tomshardware, and they mention this comparison and a lot of discussion about the raptor vs. raid 0:

http://forumz.tomshardware.com/har [...] 74203.html