Separate Raid controller for a server ?

[sam-sgc]

Hi,

Is it worth it to place my RAID-10 array on a separate RAID Controller instead of using the one that came with my server.

I'm looking to buy a new server with 2 raid arrays. Raid-1 for the O/S and RAID-10 of 4 disks for some various files and some database.

Do you think each array should have it's own controller ?

Thanks

Let me know if you need more details

-Sammy

 

[gigabyte1024]

What's the server brand/model and what kind of onboard controller does it have?

 

[sam-sgc]

It's a Dell powerEdge 2900

The integrated controller is a PERC 5/i

the add-on controller is a PERC 5/E ( Pci-E Raid)

Thanks

Sam

 

[402blownstroker]

Ideally, the more controller channels the array has, the better the through put will be.

If the two array is on 5 disks, the advange of two controller is be little unless the raid-10 array has a large amount activity. If that is the case, then do get the extra controller.

Keith

 

[sam-sgc]

How can I find out if my single controller is causing a bottleneck ?

 

[drizzt81]

sure that the Perc5/E is not a controller for externally attached storage?
http://www.scsi4me.com/product_info.php?products_id=1500

Dell Perc5/E Dual Channel SAS RAID Controller with two external x4 SASports

 

[gigabyte1024]

I find that the PER5 controllers have really good performance, even the onboard ones.

Look here for some performance numbers
http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1179305