Single 300GB VelociRaptor or 2x150GB VelociRaptors in a Software RAID0?

[brand]

The 80GB VelociRaptor died yesterday in my Mac Pro at home and I need to replace it. I am trying to decide between a single 300GB VelociRaptor or a pair of 150GB VelociRaptors in a software RAID0 for the OS and applications. All of my data is another drive plus there is a Time Machine drive installed along with a Drobo FW800 connected. I know the added risk involved with a RAID0 and am not concerned about that.

If I do go with the RAID0 I was thinking I might get the Pro Caddy 2 and set up the RAID in that. Then in the future I would like to setup a RAID5 with the 4 hard drive sleds.

Any ideas, suggestions, or comments would be appreciated.

 

[macuserx86]

I'd be hesitant to put two hot HDDs in the optical bay, since it has reduced cooling compared to the actual hard drive bays in the Pro. I have no experience with installing drives up there though, so if I'm talking out my arse, just let me know.

 

[CaptainJeff]

For OS and applications, replace it with a smaller (due to the cost) Intel SSD drive. The performance numbers people have been seeing with these things is amazing.

Article with benchmark numbers