Performance for the Paranoid

[smitchell360]

So, I have read a few threads and do not see my exact question addressed...and wonder if anyone can help.

I plan to configure 2 SSDs in RAID 0 for OS and apps and 3 plain old drives in RAID 5 for data. Even plan to back up the SSDs to the RAID5 array.

1. Can I do this on the intel RAID controller ... have two separate arrays with different levels?

2. Am I a bone-head for using this config?

 

[smitchell360]

I should have noted. I have intel rapid storage technology on a new ASUS H67 motherboard.

 

[GhislainG]

This can definitely be done on ICH7R and newer controllers.

 

[smitchell360]

However, am I being a bone-head. Is there a better way to get great SSD performance for OS and apps while maintaining high reliability in the data array ... and backup of OS?

 

[GhislainG]

I would use an external backup drive because it can be stored in a different place. RAID 5 is great, but it won't prevent the PC from being stolen or damaged, etc. Only you knows how important your data is and how safe your environment is.

 

[sminlal]

^+1

Make sure you have a good backup strategy first. Once you've got that covered you can start thinking about using RAID.

The purpose of backups is to protect your data from loss from ALL causes, including those that RAID isn't effective against (such as theft of your system). The purpose of RAID is to eliminate downtime due to disk failure.

 

[foscooter]

Before I weight in my opinion, what are the sizes of the "3 plain old drives in RAID 5 for data" you will be using?

If they are large enough, you could/should do RAID 0 for OS, RAID 0 for data, and one stand alone for backups. Yes 5 drives, 2 arrays, and one in RAID but not part of an array. This is possible!

As many will tell you, RAID 1 or 5 is not a viable backup option! External is best, but we all don't have that option.

 

[smitchell360]

The plain old drives are 2TB each. That RAID 0; RAID 0 and one back idea up sounds interesting...

Thanks everyone for the advice.

 

[smitchell360]

Best answer selected by smitchell360.