What is the best way to RAID the WD120JB?

[im2smrt4u]

I remember someone had a link to a page that showed some tests on the optimal (read: fastest) way to put two of the 120GB WD Special Edition drives in a RAID 0 setup. Anyone have that link? Does anyone have that information?

I'm getting two from Dell and I want to RAID them up!

EDIT: Terrible spelling! :Q

 

[John]

Raid 0 w/ a 64K stripe is probably a safe bet.

 

[im2smrt4u]

<< Raid 0 w/ a 64K stripe is probably a safe bet. >>



Okay, but can you explain the reason for 64K stripes? I'm not disagreing with you, but I just would like to know what creates the higher performance.

 

[John]

AnandTech - IDE RAID Comparison

 

[im2smrt4u]

Thanks for the link, but no mention of my integrated Highpoint controller...

Should I be worried?

 

[John]

The iwill side raid card uses the highpoint controller, so expect similar performance.

 

[im2smrt4u]

<< The iwill side raid card uses the highpoint controller, so expect similar performance. >>



Thanks! That is just the info I needed!

 

[Viper GTS]

If you're spending that much on the drives, spend the extra cash & get a proper RAID controller.

Look into the 3Ware Escalade series, there's one for about $100 that beats the hell out of all of the low end software based cards.

Viper GTS

 

[im2smrt4u]

So the Highpoint isn't really a "hardware" controller? Hmmm....

Anyway, I'm not paying that much for these! *COUGH*hot deals*COUGH*

 

[MoMeanMugs]

<< So the Highpoint isn't really a "hardware" controller? Hmmm.... >>



Correct

 

[John]

From the AnandTech raid article:



<< What does this mean to you? Well, if you are a home computer user looking for only a RAID 0 or RAID 1 configuration, there is absolutely no reason to spend the extra money for a hardware RAID card. In fact, you are actually better off performance wise going with a cheaper software RAID solution.

So, we now know that hardware RAID cards are really only good for one thing: RAID 5 configurations. Lets see how our two hardware RAID cards performed in a RAID 5 configuration. >>

 

[im2smrt4u]

Thanks for all the help! Highpoint it is!

 

[Nack]

<< If you're spending that much on the drives, spend the extra cash & get a proper RAID controller.

...

Viper GTS >>



Actually, they are only spending $125/each on the drives. There was a deal (just dried up) on the Hot Deals board. Dell got their coupons and promotions mixed up again, and they overlapped. Sweet deal for a nice drive. I would have bought a couple myself, but I've already got a 1000BB, and the cash flow just didn't justify shelling out the $250.

Nack

 

[im2smrt4u]

<< Actually, they are only spending $125/each on the drives. >>



Well, I paid $140 per drive total. I order before most people. This may be a good thing because it means I get mine sooner.

Plus, a lot of people have been getting their orders cancelled without their knowledge. Mine has shipped, so I know I'm getting mine!