2x250gig RAID0 or 1 500gig?

[x_2fast4u_x]

Ok i have 3 hard drives 2x 250Gig 1x 500Gig, I currently have the 500gig as my "main" Hard drive (hold my OS and all programs/files) and i got one of the 250gigs in my system as storage. The other 250gig is in my sisters computer as her ONLY hard drive. The smaller drives are newer and therefore are faster and have more cache then my 500Gig. I offered to put my 500gig in her system and take her 250gig to RAID0 them in my system (shes a movie freak and im a gamer so she needs the room and i need the speed) i don't mind taking a hit of 250gigs because all i keep on my computer is games/porn all of which i could care less about so im not worried about having a backup drive i got a 16gig flash drive i keep my school stuff on.

So the question is...would it be better to have the 2x250gigs in a Raid0 configuration with NO BACKUP (remember i find enjoyment in reinstalling the OS and i can keep a set of system drivers and all other important files on my 16gig flash drive the only other thing on my system is games)

keep in mind also that a single one of these 250gig drives in faster then my 500gig

I have the basics down on a raid setup my MoBo has built in raid support...however.
(questions)
Do i set up my raid size as 2x one of two single drives space?
What is the best cluster size?
Do i stripe or not stripe is "stripe" the process of spiting info between drives?
will is cause "every day" apps to run slower?

-Raid card-
Intel(R) 82801GR/GH SATA RAID Controller

-HD's-
500gig=ST3500630AS (500 GB, 7200 RPM, SATA-II)'
250gig=WDC WD2500AAKS-00VYA0 (232 GB, IDE)(Everest says IDE however it is for a fact SATA-II)

THANK you ALL so much for your time!


Sincerely,
2Fast4u

 

[vibe]

The RAID FAQ will answer most of this mate.

Stripe is the term used for RAID 0, yes data is split across all disks - loose one loose all.

gamin get little out of a RAID setup, you would probably get better performance by using one as games and OS and the other disk for everything else - including apps that dont need performance. un cluttered HDs work better.

 

[x_2fast4u_x]

I have read the RAID FAQ, however the "FAQ" does know know anyone with this raid setup, does not know anyone with this controller, these hard drives, OR wether or not it is smart to do in the first place knowledge does not replace logic...

Sorry if i sounded rude Tiger direct is pissing me off!(3rd consecutive time i have had to confirm its is, in fact, me placing my order...3rd consecutive time my order will be shipped a day later then estimated! (I know that does not sound like much however when you order 1 day shipping for $30 more and then u think to yourself WHAT WAS THE POINT!) AND My bank has NO safety on online purchases so i know its not them holding it back!)


ok im done promise =P

 

[jitpublisher]

2-250 gig drives in RAID 0 gives you 500 gig of total space
RAID 0 is otherwise known as a "striped set"
Use 128k, I think that is what the largest size is, but whatever use a larger cluster though for best performance

When you enter the RAID BIOS and set up your array, you point to the 2 drives you want "striped", and select the cluster size.

After this is done, the BIOS has built the array, and you exit the RAID BIOS, be sure to go into your regular BIOS and set your RAID array as bootable, and enter it into the boot order as well. There options for "bootable" and "use RAID for Storage" (or something similar, main thing is you have to let the BIOS know how you are going to use the array)

When you start to load Windows, you will need the correct RAID driver on a floppy drive. When windows says to to press F6 for a third party device driver, you must press F6, wait for the installation to continue, insert the disk when prompted, and Windows will install the driver. When it later starts to do the install, it will simply find a single large drive with 500gig (or a little less) and ask if that is where you want to install.

The controller displays your RAID 0 set to Windows as simply 1 large drive.
The controller handles all the rest.

 

[bobbknight]

Unless you are doing disk intensive work setting up a raid will be of little benefit to you.

 

[x_2fast4u_x]

Thank you for all your help, to bobby i don't use HD intensive tasks mostly gameing (loading HUGE maps) and everyday stuff, thanks!

 

[x_2fast4u_x]

Ok, i have been doing some reading and now my question is, One of the 250 gigs in real world performance will it beat the raid set for read/write/ GAMES

Farcry2
WoW
Left for dead
TF2
COD4