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raid setup

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than   10-13-2002 at 07:32:57 AM

Hi, guys: I need help to setup raid 0 for my system. I assembled one system in July with Asus P4B533-E MB, 2.26GHz P4,80GB WD HD,one CD-rom, one DVD/CD-RW combom, one zip 250 and flopy drive. I disabled the raid on the board. Now i plan to buy two more 80GB WD HDs to setup as raid. My plan is use the old 80GB HD for os and application software (connected with regular IDE). The two new 80GB HDs for raid 0 (for my video editing purpose).
My questions:
1. Can i setup like that?
2. How do i partition the raid HDs?
Thanks for your help!!!

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HammerBot   10-13-2002 at 11:05:44 AM
- 0 +

1) Yes. But I recommend that you but the OS and application software on the RAID0 as well, and use your 3rd drive for backup of sensitive data. If you need some tips on how to do that, let me know.
2) Your RAID0 array will appear as one 160GB drive. Partition it as you would with any other 160GB drive, using your preferred tool. I recommend Partition Magic.

My RAID0 (2 pcs WD800JB) is currently partitioned as:

C: Boot 5 GB. OS
D: Programs 45 GB. Applications
E: Data1 50 GB
F: Data2 50 GB

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than   10-14-2002 at 12:57:53 AM
- 0 +

Hi, HammerBot:

Thanks for your information. My concern is I would be srewed up if the raid 0 had problem. It took a lot of time to reinstall os and application softwares. I have dual boot os in my system: win98 and winxp pro. Setup like what you said is definitely fast. By the way, do you know a way to backup dual boot system?

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lhgpoobaa   10-14-2002 at 03:42:12 AM
- 0 +

Exactly. Thats the inherent problem with RAID 0.
Hard drives are USUALLY reliable. But backup often.

<b>Plaid will NEVER go out of style! :cool: </b>

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HammerBot   10-14-2002 at 08:33:51 AM
- 0 +

I understand your concern and thats why I recommended that you use the third drive for backup of irreplaceable data. I dont consider the OS and applications as irreplacable. Sure, it sucks if the array dies, but once you get it up and running again os and applications are easily installed (especially if you have an image, read more below). Further the 'feel' of speed due to the RAID0 is much more pronounced if your OS and applications are on the RAID.

Currently I only have 2 drives (In raid0) in my machine. I considered a third for backup, but dissided not to, due to the extra noise. Instead I backup to my old PC (now running LINUX :smile: ) using the network.

I use PowerQuest Drive Image to make an image of my C: drive. This will also work for dual boot. I have made the image after install of all drivers and updates and the programs I most often use. Whenever I need to reinstall the OS (if something trashes it) I just reapply the image. It takes about 70 seconds to restore my boot partition :smile:

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Truthor   10-17-2002 at 09:15:13 PM
- 0 +

I've been wanting to do what you're talking about for a long time Hammerbot. I've fooled with a bunch of different programs but have had poor success with getting these programs to recognize my array in dos mode. It was either one problem or another. I will try powerquest and see how it works for me. I just reinstalled so this is like the perfect time to reinstall b4 the OS starts to get all jacked up. Thanks!

Reply to Truthor
than   10-20-2002 at 05:50:34 PM
- 0 +

Hi, Hammerbot:
Would you please tell me that the strip and cluster size you use in your raid 0 setup? One more question: How can i change the cluster? Thanks a lot for your info!

Reply to than
HammerBot   10-21-2002 at 07:53:46 AM
- 0 +

I use 16k stripesize and 16k clustersize (NTFS), but you should test it for yourselves. These settings may not be optimal for your usage and/or drives, controller, etc. If you use NTFS you cannot change the clustersize without reformatting the drive (at least I know of no tool that can do this).
If you use FAT/FAT32 you can use Partition Magic to change the clustersize.


<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by HammerBot on 10/21/02 01:55 AM.</EM></FONT></P>

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