resize windows software raid 5

A

alphabanks

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Oct 31, 2012
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Does anyone here have a method for adding hard drives to a Windows software raid 5 array? I would like to add an additional 2TB drive to my array but from what I'm seeing this is not really possible with Windows. I want to do this without having to delete than recreate the entire array btw I am using Server 2012.
 
1. Execute: mmc.exe

2. Disk Management

3. Right-Click on the Volume and -> Expand Volume


If you can't by this method, than you should use a Third-Party to resize your partition.
 
You can't do that on a raid 5 array I wish that was the case I would have been done with this hours ago.
 
OCE is not possible with software RAID in most cases, and certainly not if you're using what's built into Windows. Speaking of which, you have to be getting terrible performance on that "array." I'd suggest looking into just using your onboard RAID controller and going with RAID-1 or getting a low end hardware RAID controller that can do RAID-5 for around $200, or a NAS that does it... anything but what you're doing.
 
I might add that even a decent controller like the LSI MegRAID SAS 92xx series cards running 3x2TB in RAID-5 and then adding a 4th drive and doing the OCE will take (assuming array is near capacity, which is why you usually do an OCE) about 32hours even on 7200RPM drives.
 
even a decent controller like the LSI MegRAID SAS 92xx series cards running 3x2TB in RAID-5 and then adding a 4th drive and doing the OCE will take (assuming array is near capacity, which is why you usually do an OCE) about 32hours even on 7200RPM drives.
Click to expand...

You must have the least aggressive settings on. Or you do not have a BBU.

Linux software raid will take 10 to 12 hours or so to expand a 3 disk raid 5 to 4 disk raid 5 using 2 TB 7200 RPM drives on a core2quad or better.
 
Thanks for the info I've done an online expansion with a Perc 5i and it took forever even after I had increased the rebuild rate. Since I'm using Windows I need to start researching hardware raid controllers again I have not bought one since the Perc 5i. The Perc controllers could be purchased at a great price. BTW I get about 113MB read and write so it's not bad at all for pushing media content and overall general purpose duties.
 
drescherjm said:
You must have the least aggressive settings on. Or you do not have a BBU.

Linux software raid will take 10 to 12 hours or so to expand a 3 disk raid 5 to 4 disk raid 5 using 2 TB 7200 RPM drives on a core2quad or better.
Click to expand...

I have both configured. The system pushing it is a bit older, but more than sufficient, I would think. Intel 320 Series 80GB boot, Core i3 540, 8GB of RAM under Server 2k8 R2 Std x64.

A better comparison would be an apples to apples one. Linux software RAID versus windows and hardware RAID is hardly an equal comparison to draw any rebuild conclusions from. I was merely trying to illustrate that even if he could do an OCE with Windows software RAID it would likely take a very long time.
 
alphabanks said:
Thanks for the info I've done an online expansion with a Perc 5i and it took forever even after I had increased the rebuild rate. Since I'm using Windows I need to start researching hardware raid controllers again I have not bought one since the Perc 5i. The Perc controllers could be purchased at a great price. BTW I get about 113MB read and write so it's not bad at all for pushing media content and overall general purpose duties.
Click to expand...

That's not too bad. It's the re-calc of parity that kills performance and causes it to take so long. The better the CPU on the controller and the more cache RAM available, and the less array activity the better.
 
I wonder what are the best hardware raid cards out there now. Basically what's the best bang for the buck as stated I know about the perc 5i and 6i but they are old. I can't see myself spending 300 to 800 on a raid controller for a media server.
 
it depends mostly on port count and throughput. you can get a 92xx series LSI card with no CV module or BBU for ~$450 on the 4port, ~$650 on the 8port. If you can find a reputable seller and don't mind going used, you can get them for about 2/3 of that price going that route. plus cables, BBU and CV or other module options, of course.

I had a lot of compatibility issues and issues with Adaptecs, but my experiences and issues with them were several years ago. I personally went to LSI and have never yet had cause to go back, but YMMV.
 
I will have to do some research on those LSI cards you mentioned. Also do know of any re branded cards out there for example LSI's that were made for Dell, IBM. or HP? BTW whatever I grab will be from Ebay I have no problem with used gear as long as the seller is good.
 
IBM M1015, The Dell Perc5 Perc6's, or even just a 9260-4i used for now for around $200 then add a BBU later and a SAS expander once you get beyond 4 drives. That card can go up to 16 drives in a RAID config, and up to 64 drives total with current firmware with the addition of a SAS expander.

you can grow it as you go.
 
I actually have a few of the IBM M1015 cards I flash them to IT mode than use them in software raid builds. I have one that connects all the drives in my server 2012 box. However, I wonder if a BBU can be added to the M1015? Those Perc cards are great but they give off way to much heat also they have a drive size limitation I know the perc 5 is 2TB.
 
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