RAID Recommendations for OS and DATA

russmiller

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Jul 11, 2009
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18,510
I am gearing up to re-build my workstation and I want to make sure that I have the ideal setup for performance as well as redundancy.

For my OS and installed programs, I want to keep everything really snappy. If I go with a RAID 0 (2 drives), will I notice a benefit even if my SWAP file is on another array? If so, then I am considering going this route and then imaging the array in case of hard disk failure. I am assuming that the chances of important files changing on that drive within a 24 hour period is slim. OR, am I being naive that a disk image will save me if my RAID 0 goes down?

So, if a RAID 0 is out of the question, then RAID 1 would be the next plan. However, since I will be slowing down my read / write access (noticeably right?), then should I consider a RAID 10 (4 drives)?

Additional point of interest:
-DATA will be a RAID 10 (4 drives). OS SWAP will be on this array.
-Controller card: 3ware 9650SE-16ML with BBU
-Workstation primary use: Adobe programs
-OS: Windows 7 - Build 7100
 

russmiller

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Jul 11, 2009
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18,510
I will begin my rebuild here in an hour or so. If anyone has any recommendations based on my current strategy, I would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks for your time!