RAID 5 optimal setup
Last response: in Storage
Hello everyone,
This is my first post; this site has been an invaluable resource whilst making the change to a new and heartier system.
I've just setup a new system - primarily for music production although also to increase the efficiency of performing everyday tasks such as working on multiple Office docs and PDF files etc (no gaming). I've assembled an i7_870@2.93GHZ with an ASUS P7_P55LX running on-board Raid and 4Gb RAM (Gfx: ATI Radeon 5450 512mb).
I've searched all over the site and forums but I can't seem to find what I'm looking for.
You see in the machine I've got 2 x WD Green 1Tb HDDs (brand new), and 1 x Samsung 1Tb HDD (taken from an older external drive) running on RAID 5, plus another 500Gb disk which I'm yet to format.
My query is about how I might configure the RAID array for optimized read/write and data protection.
Currently I have it configured with the 3 x 1Tb HDDs on Raid 5 representing a 1x 2Tb physical disk that is partitioned as follows: 310Gb (boot, page file, crash dump), 100Gb (system reserved), and 510Gb, 510Gb & 570Gb (for storage).
-Is partitioning like this a good idea?
-Can anyone please suggest a logical way to configure the RAID array so that the machine will be organised, with read and write times optimized while also maintaining data protection? (Bearing in mind that I can always pick up another 1Tb disk for around $70 or possibly even go down the SSD road).
Thanks, Nic
This is my first post; this site has been an invaluable resource whilst making the change to a new and heartier system.
I've just setup a new system - primarily for music production although also to increase the efficiency of performing everyday tasks such as working on multiple Office docs and PDF files etc (no gaming). I've assembled an i7_870@2.93GHZ with an ASUS P7_P55LX running on-board Raid and 4Gb RAM (Gfx: ATI Radeon 5450 512mb).
I've searched all over the site and forums but I can't seem to find what I'm looking for.
You see in the machine I've got 2 x WD Green 1Tb HDDs (brand new), and 1 x Samsung 1Tb HDD (taken from an older external drive) running on RAID 5, plus another 500Gb disk which I'm yet to format.
My query is about how I might configure the RAID array for optimized read/write and data protection.
Currently I have it configured with the 3 x 1Tb HDDs on Raid 5 representing a 1x 2Tb physical disk that is partitioned as follows: 310Gb (boot, page file, crash dump), 100Gb (system reserved), and 510Gb, 510Gb & 570Gb (for storage).
-Is partitioning like this a good idea?
-Can anyone please suggest a logical way to configure the RAID array so that the machine will be organised, with read and write times optimized while also maintaining data protection? (Bearing in mind that I can always pick up another 1Tb disk for around $70 or possibly even go down the SSD road).
Thanks, Nic
More about : raid optimal setup
Not sure I can comment on your partitioning question. I can't honestly see a reason to do that. What was your logic? Your disks are already in a RAID array so I don't think you are getting any extra security by doing that.
As far as adding a 500gb drive to the array, DON'T DO THAT. That will actually result in less total space in your array (array size equals number of drives x size of smallest drive - parity space)
As far as adding a 500gb drive to the array, DON'T DO THAT. That will actually result in less total space in your array (array size equals number of drives x size of smallest drive - parity space)
Yeah, the best thing to do is probably stick with your RAID 5 3x1TB's as it is and then put the 500GB drive as your OS. That will optimize your performance more than anything else. And yes, definitely don't add the 500GB to your RAID as it will then make all of your HDD's as if they were just 500GBer's.
Related ressources:
- ForumOptimal GIGABYTE GA-X58A-UD3R SATA port connection and BIOS setup
- ForumRAID - optimal configuration for six disks with single controller
- ForumOptimal setup help - 2 ssd and 3 HDD
- ForumOptimal HD/ Raid setup questions.
- ForumASUS Optimal BIOS setting causing BSOD
- ForumAdvice on optimizing Raid 5 SQL Server DAS
- ForumVariety of drives in a desktop - optimal use?
- ForumWhat is the best multiple HDD config for optimal I/O
- ForumOptimizing Current Setup , PLEASE HELP
- ForumImage/Video Editing Raid Setup - Please Review
- ForumNeed help in RAID 0 SETUP on 780i
- ForumNew HD, optimal setup
- ForumSetting up a PC for optimal performance in Premiere Pro CS6
- ForumOptimal Configuration for 1 SSD and 2 HDs?
- ForumWin XP Setup does not find RAID 0 discs on ASUS A8N (non d..
- Forumdeciding what drives for a raid setup ..
- ForumNeed up to date SSD advice.
- ForumHow can I make a harddisk partition bootable and run the Windows 7 setup from it
- ForumSSD Raid 0 Questions
- ForumHow do I setup Raid 0 for Storage + SSD for OS?
- More resources
Read discussions in other Storage categories
!
