Jim Flanagan wrote: > Carlos E. R. wrote: > >> The Sunday 2007-12-02 at 09:06 -0600, Jim Flanagan wrote: >> >> >>> I've been reading a lot about the differences between software raid in >>> linux and the motherboard raid options. Most linux distros recommend >>> linux software raid over the mobo raid, claiming more flexibility to use >>> different types of drives, no lock in to mobo drivers, etc. I suspect >>> this is due to problems with mobo raid in the past, and a general >>> tendency to favor open source. >>> >> No, it's not because problems in the past. >> >> Each mobo can use it's own method for mirroring, and that method >> doesn't have to be compatible with other mobos, not even of the same >> manufacturer. If your mobo breaks down, it's very possible you will >> not be able to reuse your hard disk without a full reformat, losing >> all data. >> >> That is the past, present, and future .-( >> >> >>> They do claim software raid uses more >>> system resources. >>> >> Compared with a real hardware raid, yes. Compared with a fake raid >> (one that requires drivers), not really. >> >> >>> This is probably a loaded question, but any thoughts on the matter? >>> >> There is another issue: the mobo raid should work with windows, if you >> double boot. The software one will not. >> >> > This is really the point on this type of matter. There are benefits and > trade offs to both options. In my case as I plan to use this box as my > server i really don't expect to put windows or any other OS on it, > except for future versions of opensuse! However you never know. I guess > the whole point of raid is to head off certain disk failures, ones that > you really can't predict. > > You're point about mobo failure is a good one. I had not considered > that. I did consider (assuming mobo raid) what would happen if one HD > failed and I could not get an exact replacement. Even more so for a > mobo. Replacing each part with an exact duplicate becomes harder as time > moves on. My HD's are the newest Seagate's, 7200.11's, so those will > probably be available for some time to come. Different case for my mobo, > it is an inexpensive socket 754 so not sure how long they will be on the > market. (They are so inexpensive now that I could conceivably buy an > extra one now to have on hand, but there is no assurance it actually > works sitting in the box. And with the pace of new CPSs I probably won't > want the same board in 2 or more years anyway. > > I did go with the software raid and all seems to be working well for now. >
I believe the software RAID in SUSE allows you to mix drive sizes, so if the replacement drive is bigger, it's not a problem. -- Use OpenOffice.org <http://www.openoffice.org> -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For additional commands, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
