Can I build an external RAID 1 array?

[Trackr]

I need a RAID 1 array for backup, at least 3TB of useable capacity, but I'd prefer if it were external so that nothing that I can move it around and wouldn't have to set it up again when building a new PC, as well as for overall safety.

There are several 6TB-8TB dual-HDD external drives, but even if I get RAID 1 working on them, they're far too expensive for some reason.

So, is there some way to build my own dual-drive enclosure? And if not, can I RAID 1 two external drives both in their own external enclosures?

Thanks!

 

[drescherjm]

Use the builtin OS raid. I know this works on linux and I suspect that it should also work on windows.

A second option may be SnapRAID with 1 data disk and 1 parity disk although I have never tested it with only 1 data disk. In theory this should work and with the checksums it should be better than raid1.

 

[mwroobel]

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=usb3+raid1+enclosure+site:newegg.com

 

[Trackr]

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=usb3+raid1+enclosure+site:newegg.com

I suppose that's the extremely snarky version of:

"Hey, I think they sell DIY, multiple drive, RAID-capable enclosures. Might be something for you to check out. Here's a link to some on Newegg."

 

[rsq]

I once had an MD raid5 running on USB 2.0 drives. It was slow on a whole new unexplored level of slowness.

Go eSATA if you can (less overhead than USB3) and use the OS raid1 functions as mentioned before.