What's the best RAID setup for highend gfx

[Virus]

I'm setting up a highend graphic system. But I haven't had to setup a RAID system yet.

This computer will be used for 2D/3D CAD development and also as the main storage drive for the network.

Here is what I have picked out right now.

Adaptec 131 U2/LVD RAID Controller
2 WD 18.3GB 10000RPM 2MB 68PIN HD
using RAID 0/1

Is there is any changes anyone could recommend?

[Stan]

Hi

I understand you want speed, speed and more speed, right ?
The RAID card you have (AAA®-131U2) can be configured in RAID 0, 1, 0/1 or 5

In your case, forget about RAID5 because you need a minimum of 3 HD and forget about RAID0/1 because you need a minimum of 4HD.
I would not use RAID1 because it is just mirroring. There is no increase of performance.
So, you are left with RAID0 (striping). RAID0 is the best config if you want to increase the perf of your disk sub-system.

One last thing but probably too late: if you want to config your HD in RAID0, this what I would have done.
Instead of buying 2 x 18Gb HD, I would have bought 3 (or 4 if you absolutely need 36Gb space) 9 Gb HD.
Four HD in RAID0 is better that three, which is better than 2, ...

Hope this helps

Stan

PS: I have assumed that you do not need redundancy.


Well, I have just re-read your post and the words "main storage drive for the network" might suggest that you need redundancy...
In that case, I would choose RAID5... unfortunately you need a 3rd HD.

[This message has been edited by Stan (edited 10-21-1999).]

[Axel]

For the best of RAID, buy at least one more hard drive. Most RAID systems will allow you to enable RAID5 with only 3 hard drives, but check with the included documentation.
Absolutely avoid RAID 3 and 4 if they are offered to you in set-up. On that, one PARITY disk is created, lose that, and you're formatting hard drives, buddy. Best advice for mission critical stuff, go RAID5 with however many disks your RAID card will require.