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Setting up a RAID array For Dummies (Me)
I’ve been doing some research and this is one of those instances where everybody has a different response. Hopefully one of you guys can give me the simplest explanation of how to set up a RAID (0).
If I’m doing a fresh install of Windows 7 (which is on the included hard drive, as well as DVD) on my soon arriving Z800 workstation, can I just plug in the extra HDD before starting the installation, and Windows 7 should see it and automatically go through the steps of creating the RAID (assuming there’s no hiccups during installation. I know something can always go wrong)?
Or should I install Windows 7, then plug in the HDD, and go into the BIOS (which I’m dreading. I’m not the young buck I used to be. Oh, look, butterflies!…………) Oh, right. Anyway, I have two days before it comes so no rush but I’d appreciate some advice by Thursday.
Also, if I have both options should I do a hardware RAID or a software RAID or does it not matter?
Thanks, usual suspects. In the meantime I’ll keep googling.
EDIT: OK, I saw where on a new install just plug the 2nd HDD in before installing and Windows 7 will do the rest. I also saw where, given the option, go with the hardware RAID. So skip those, but I have one other question. I have a second extra hard drive which is a Samsung. It’s connectors are completely different from the Seagate. Can I use it in the Z800? Does the motherboard have the proper connectors in each bay for whatever configuration a hard drive may have?
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25 Replies
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Also you can’t add a disk and make a RAID. When you are setting up a RAID it will erase all the disks. If you want to add or remove a disk from the RAID you need to copy all the files off the RAID before you make any changes.
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“Also you can’t add a disk and make a RAID. When you are setting up a RAID it will erase all the disks. If you want to add or remove a disk from the RAID you need to copy all the files off the RAID before you make any changes.”
Thanks, Tero. I don’t know why that link didn’t come up when I was googling RAID’s. Two questions.
1. This is a new (refurbished) workstation. It has the Windows 7 installation files on the included HDD. It does come with a Windows 7 installation disk as well. Are you saying that the files on the HDD will get erased if I set the box up for a RAID before I install, and have to use the disks to install Windows 7?
2. Assuming all goes well, if I want to add a 3rd HDD later on, are you saying the procedure will erase everything on my other two HDD’s? I have to back up EVERYTHING on both existing drives? Including the OS?
Told ya I was a dummy.
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EDIT: “You should also receive a warning letting you know that if your operating system is on one of these volumes you won’t be able to use it because the volume is now a dynamic volume instead of a logical volume.”
I don’t get it. Is this saying that once I create the RAID with the installed HDD and my second HDD, the installed HDD will no longer be able to access the OS? Then what!?! Am I not supposed to include the main HDD in a RAID?
I’m not looking to expand my storage space, I’m just trying to do what others have told me here. Keep my programs and my projects on two separate HDD’s to speed up workstation performance.
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Hi Duke,
The System Drive (C:) should NOT be part of a RAID. Leave that drive alone, with the OS and Programs on it. Then use TWO other matching hard drives to create a RAID 0. This is done quickly and easily in the Disk Management Tool included in Windows.
https://www.howtogeek.com/howto/36504/how-to-create-a-software-raid-array-in-windows-7/
On another note, I thought you already got your new (used) HP weeks ago? Or did you order it then, and it has taken this long to arrive?
Thanks
Jeff Pulera
Safe Harbor Computers -
Hi Jeff. Thanks for the info! I can’t believe out of all the things I read on the subject not one mentioned not using your main HDD in the RAID.
The box you’re referring to arrived with major problems.
Extremely slow ( over a minute to load PPro whereas my consumer PC only takes about 8 seconds)
Took over 30 seconds to copy a 300mg file from folder to desktop (Consumer PC was instantaneous)
All sorts of weird graphic problems like the background of the Media Browser rising up as I scrolled down, blocking the source monitor above)You get the idea. So I sent it back, and after discussing with the seller to make sure he didn’t send the same box back to me (I have the serial # of the old one, just in case) I agreed to repurchase. Hopefully this time there will be no problems. I’ll make sure to download all updates and drivers before installing my software, although I doubt that was the reason for the other problems.
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Let me boil this down to its essence. I only want a 2nd, and then later a 3rd HDD so that I can do what a lot of people here have told me to do. Keep my OS and programs on one HDD, save my projects and render to a second HDD, and eventually separate projects and renders by installing a 3rd HDD.
Do I need to set up a RAID to do this? Will my speed increase with this setup? Or do I HAVE to set up a RAID in order to maximize my workstation’s power?
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[Duke Sweden] “Do I need to set up a RAID to do this?”
No.
[Duke Sweden] “Will my speed increase with this setup?”
Yes.
[Duke Sweden] “Or do I HAVE to set up a RAID in order to maximize my workstation’s power?”
No.
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Thanks!
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[Duke Sweden] “Do I need to set up a RAID to do this?”
No.
[Duke Sweden] “Will my speed increase with this setup?”
With separate drives: no. With a RAID: yes.
[Duke Sweden] “Or do I HAVE to set up a RAID in order to maximize my workstation’s power?”
No.
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