Software vs. Hardware RAID 5

H

HyperTension

[H]ard|Gawd
Joined
Dec 23, 2002
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Ok, with my next build, I'm thinking about creating a RAID 5 array (WD750 AYYS Drives x3).

I've read here that there have been issues with low to moderate end RAID 5 cards with nVidia boards, and seeing how my next board will probably be a 790, that's a bit concerning. I'm not really wanting to spend 300+ dollars on server class RAID array card.

How much of a difference would there be if I just stuck to a traditional onboard controller., (Processor would be 9450, with 4 gig memory)?

If there is a fairly decent seperation, what card do you guys recommend. General useage would be storage of MP3/FLACC, movies, TV series, and Warez

Any and all opinions are welcome, Thanks!
 
Your write speeds will be abysmal on the software RAID 5 array, no XOR engine means that the cpu has to calculate parity for the array too. (hogging lots of cpu cycles). My experience is that software RAID also takes ages to initialise and rebuild compared to a proper RAID card.

I used to have 6x500gb on an ich9 in raid 5, it was one of the worst hardware experiences I've ever had, I've since moved over to a 3Ware 9650SE-8LPML, by no means the best RAID controller out there but it was a good balance between money spent and what was needed. Safe to say, It's been bliss so far, write speeds are very good, it doesn't hog the cpu and is reliable.
 
Since you only have 3 drives, you can pickup an excellent raid controller for around 100 bucks.
 
Just an FYI, dynamic disk striped volumes have a hard set limit of 64k writes, which kills your performance. So do not go with software raid unless you system never gets hit hard.

I believe the new Promise controllers with Intel processors at about 140 bucks are a tremendous value in the controller arena, they also support SAS.
 
highpoint rocket raid 2314 is a good semi hardware RAID card. It's really cheap too.
I used a Norco DS-1220 storage box with it to do RAID 5 with 11 hard drives.
 
Hmm.. would almost prefer to go true hardware then...


Any specific cards around the $200 range?
 
Highpoint and Areca are good brands, but they're probably out of the $200 and into the $300 range.

It's too bad you're on Windows; Linux and Solaris have nicer software raid support.
 
unhappy_mage said:
Highpoint and Areca are good brands, but they're probably out of the $200 and into the $300 range.

It's too bad you're on Windows; Linux and Solaris have nicer software raid support.
Click to expand...

yes I can concur, Just purchased a Areca 1210 controller and dropped a tad over $300. I think in the end it was worth it.
 
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