Two RAID questions

[tgunner]

So guys I am setting up a RAID 5 NAS with 4 drives and I have two important questions:

1. Does it matter if the hard drives model numbers are different? Or is it OK as long as they are all Segate 750gb 7200RPM SATA II? Mainly I'm seeing models such as ST3750330AS and ST3750840SCE; I can't see any difference. As to the controller, more on that in the next question.

2. I have a spare Pentium Dual Core and will be getting an nVidia GeForce 7100 mATX motherboard for it, and was wondering if it's integrated RAID 5 controller will be sufficient for my set up. I would rather not have to purchase a pricey PCI-E SATA controller.

Thanks,
Gunner

 

[Fullmetal Chocobo]

Using different model numbers is fine. I've been using WD RE2 hard drives of different model numbers and cache sizes for a long time and never had a problem.

If you are not too worried about performance, then the integrated controller will do fine. The main concern for them is that there is a significant performance hit as the CPU has to perform the partiy calculations. Also keep in mind that if the controller dies, you will likely have to find an identical mobo to restore the array.

And don't forget to backup your data.

 

[Nothinman]

1. Does it matter if the hard drives model numbers are different? Or is it OK as long as they are all Segate 750gb 7200RPM SATA II? Mainly I'm seeing models such as ST3750330AS and ST3750840SCE; I can't see any difference. As to the controller, more on that in the next question.

Probably not but it depends on how picky the controller you're using is about drives. If you're doing software RAID then it doesn't matter, you can even mix drive sizes if you want.

 

[tgunner]

Thanks for the responses, I have a good idea of what to do now. Will all of the 7100 boards have the same RAID Bios? Or are certain brands better? These are the ones I am considering.

 

[tgunner]

Any help for my latest question from the night crew?