Software vs hardware Raid [Archive]

petemc

26-11-2011, 11:35

So I have an old PC with nForce 3 on. I thought I could easily build a RAID system so I bought the drives and set to work. Setup the raid but every time I go into Win7 it says both drives aren't initialised. It's not seeing the raid. After a quick google I find no nVidia nForce Raid Manger for Win7 and a list of forum posts about how its a bugger to get working.

I've heard Win7 can do software raid. All I want is mirroring. Is that my best option? Is it any good?

Zirax

26-11-2011, 12:34

Win 7 does do software raid, you can do it from disk management. Just right click on a drive and select mirroring. I think you have to have windows Pro or above to do this.

The only problem is this converts it into dynamic disks. Windows can get a bit twitchy on when it decides to do a full repair.

Personally I would get a cheap raid card like this:-
http://www.scan.co.uk/products/highpoint-rocketraid-rr2640x4sgl-4x-sata-low-profile-oem-card-only

I think the one in my server is this one or a very similar model. It stops you messing with windows and dynamic disks and it has a heck of a lot more options. It also has a hoofing great siren which goes off if a disk fails, no chance of not realising your array has degraded :D

petemc

26-11-2011, 12:37

Yeah I figured Windows wouldn't be trustworthy.

£60 for a raid card is really annoying when I technically have it already on the mobo. Stupid windows.

jmc41

30-11-2011, 09:44

Having done RAID with Windows7 off of an nf4 board (it took about 2-3 weeks to get the b***** thing installed. Only took me or 2-3 days the time after with a netbook on hand and experience, but would recommend going with the card.

Plus when a disk failed it wasn't as straightforward as it should be. Will be trying to remember this link when I next come to upgrade.

petemc

30-11-2011, 10:51

Maybe the easiest thing will be to simply run backup software. I won't be using the drives every day.

Zirax

30-11-2011, 22:44

Having done RAID with Windows7 off of an nf4 board (it took about 2-3 weeks to get the b***** thing installed. Only took me or 2-3 days the time after with a netbook on hand and experience, but would recommend going with the card.

Plus when a disk failed it wasn't as straightforward as it should be. Will be trying to remember this link when I next come to upgrade.

Yes, the problem is mostly between the chair and keyboard in this case though.

jmc41

30-11-2011, 23:18

my desk?

Zirax

30-11-2011, 23:32

my desk?

:lipsrsealed:

Mark

05-12-2011, 21:59

Maybe the easiest thing will be to simply run backup software. I won't be using the drives every day.

RAID is not a backup solution - it's an availability solution. Easy and common mistake to make. :)

If all you want is backup, then backup it is. Windows 7's backup is actually pretty good at the basics and there are plenty of third party options about if you want more features. :)

Hardware RAID is a tough act to beat though - set one up a few weeks ago. Even using plain old SATA disks it's pretty quick.