Setting up raid 0, raid 1

[joedotm]

Dear all,

 

I am very new to Windows 2008 server but I have an acceptable experience in the IT field so I can follow steps when needed :)

 

I (will) have a server with raid 0 1 with a 2x 1TB HDD

I am planning to install windows 2008 server.

 

I went through some online readings about raid 0 and raid 1 Not much clear step by step how to (to me) to install any.

 

My intention is "mirroring'. I read that Raid 0 improve performance.

1- Can I use configure both a raid 0 (improve performance) and a raid 1 (mirroring)? if so, how?

2- If not, any easy step by step how to to install Raid 1?

 

P.S. A simple and maybe stupid question: is Raid configured before installing Windows, while installing it or afterward?

 

Thank you

 

 

[ICTCity]

Hi,

 

So, RAID 0 is the fastest choice, but it's really dangerous. If you have a trouble with one HD you loose EVERYTHING! Raid 10 or RAID 1+0 or RAID 0+1 are a combination of RAID 0 and RAID 1. These combinations cannot be made with only 2 HD, you need at least 4 hd (RAID 1+0) or 3 hd (RAID 0+1).

 

Question 1: Yes, you can BUT you need at least another HD, honestly I prefer RAID 5...

Question 2: Yes, there's but everything depends on your hardware. RAID is set up via a direct controller (raid controller) or integrated to the motherboard (usually pooooor performance). There are also software raid, but trust me, don't use software raid... usually you can set up things after the POST screen (F6 or F10 or F something).

 

For you last question: usually it's configured BEFORE, then you install windows and Windows will see only ONE hd (because of in a RAID 1 there's a mirror), if you use software raid, you can install it AFTER.

[joedotm]

Hello ICTCity,

 

Thank you for your prompt reply.

The server has Raid 0 and 1 Onboard and due to financial restriction this is the only server we can get.

 

Now, I guess I will be headed for Raid 1 (mirroring)

Any simple tutorial about configuring Raid 1 (after F6, F10 or F something)?

 

Thanx a lot

[ICTCity]

As said before, I need at least the motherboard's model in order to find something. Anyway, once you are in the setup of RAID, it's more than easy, you simply select 2 disks and then select RAID 1.

 

Let me know the model and I will search a tutorial.

[joedotm]

Hi,

 

The motherboard's model is GT110F2.

I booted the Gateway server and i can only see press F2 for setup, F10 for boot menu.

 

PS: I just did some googling. What do you think about the following http://www.dynamic-disk.com/resource/setup-software-raid.html if I install Win2008 server on one HDD (1TB) and follow the tutorial to have the second 1TB as mirror? / Could you pls clarify this dynamic vs basic disk? Thanx in advance.

[ICTCity]

Hi,

 

I can't find anything about your mobo, maybe because it's a "no-brand" model.

 

Anyway, I really don't suggest you to implement a SOFTWARE raid, it has painful performances. If you can, buy a RAID controller (100-200 $) and set it up. I'm not sure about this, but gateway server doesn't specify the hardware, this usually means that components have bad quality.

 

Check this article for basic / dynamic disks:

http://www.petri.co.il/difference_between_basic_and_dynamic_disks_in_windows_xp_2000_2003.htm

 

Anyway, a basic disk is STATIC, it cannot support stripping and it needs a restart to apply config. Dynamic is the exact opposite.

[joedotm]

Hello ICTCity,

 

Solution found:

Boot to Bios

Change HD to Raid

Reboot

Ctrl I

Create Raid1

Done

 

Install Win2008Server Standard.

 

Thanx a lot