On Sunday 02 December 2007, Jim Flanagan wrote: > Philippe Landau wrote: > > Jim Flanagan wrote: > >> I'm trying to do a new install of opensuse 10.3 on a new server box. I'd > >> like to have raid1 (mirror) set up with 2 drives. I don't know the full > >> differences between md raid and dm raid, but I followed the instructions > >> on installing md raid on the opensuse wiki, using yast to set up the > >> raid partitions. > > > > Many even cheap Motherboards have RAID chips integrated. > > Most cheap RAID chips are not fast so RAID5 is not worth it with them. > > But for RAID1 wouldn't you be better served with a different Main board > > or a hardware RAID controller ? > > > > Kind regards Philippe > > Well, this is a home server that has not much load. I'm replacing my 2 > year old home server, P-III and Suse 10.0 that has run very well for > almost 2 years. Since 10.0 is becoming extinct I need to do something. I > could probably use this same box for another 2 years, but it has only 1 > hard drive and I decided to build a new one with opensuse 10.3, this > time with raid. But a true hardware raid is too expensive and not needed > in this environment. > > I've been reading a lot about the differences between software raid in > linux and the motherboard raid options. Most linux distros recommend > linux software raid over the mobo raid, claiming more flexibility to use > different types of drives, no lock in to mobo drivers, etc. I suspect > this is due to problems with mobo raid in the past, and a general > tendency to favor open source. They do claim software raid uses more > system resources. > > I'm not sure which way to go, but am leaning toward the software raid > option (md raid). > > This is probably a loaded question, but any thoughts on the matter? > > Jim F
Hi Jim, Hardware RAID need not be overly expensive. You can purchase an Adaptec SATA RAID 1210SA for about $59.00USD from Newegg.com: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16816103020 This card would be quite suitable for what you are doing and is fairly easy to setup. I have used it on a couple low-end servers and have never had a problem. Jesse
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