Setting up RAID

[cbl1973]

Can I use hard drives from different manufacturers and of different sizes to create a RAID set-up. What are the different configurations. RAID 1, RAID 2, stripe, etc.?

 

[wahnula]

This is an excellent resource:

http://www.pcguide.com/ref/hdd/perf/raid/levels/index.htm

Ideally all RAID array member drives should be as identical as possible, same make/model/size, mixing drives may or may not work. I have seen it done, but would never do it myself.

Tony

 

[wahnula]

From the source above:

Finally, all RAID levels work best when fitted with identical drives of identical capacity. Some RAID levels can tolerate differences in performance between drives in the array better than others (typically the simpler levels). All RAID arrays make best use of the space on the disk when the drives are the same size; see here for more details.

 

[NoCalAdmin]

you can use different sizes, BUT it will reconize the smallest and RAID to that size, wasting the other space.

Tom

 

[wahnula]

it will also default to the slowest drive's specs: spindle speed, smallest cache, and lowest I/O of member drive. So, if you pair a 15K cheetah with a 4800 rpm Quantum, you will get Quantum performance. Or so they say.

STAY AWAY FROM JBOD...real problems there.

Tony

 

[cbl1973]

Thanks for the info. It sound like it would be best if I bought one to match either of the other two I have.

 

[wahnula]

it would be best if I bought one to match either of the other two I have.

Yessss!!! Remember redundancy does not take the place of backup...maybe use that spare drive in a USB enclosure for that. Best of luck!

Tony