Software RAID versus hardware RAID

[strausd]

Well, it's not used as often as a primary array which lowers it's frequency of failure a bit (assuming the spin-up doesn't go awry, as this array is usually spun down). Personally, I still wouldn't trust it. Especially if the primary is a stripe set as well (increases the chance that both arrays fail simultaneously = data is DOA).

JBOD is a better implementation IMO (can be done with no additional cost just by configuring existing disks), as worst case, you only loose the data on the failed disk, not all of it (assumes the primary source is also gone when a disk fails in the JBOD).

If your data is super critical, you'd want to consider other levels for both a primary and backup array. Which level however, would depend on specific details.

How would I be able to use Time Machine to backup to two separate 2TB drives?

 

[nanofrog]

How would I be able to use Time Machine to backup to two separate 2TB drives?

You'll have to decide how to break the data up, but once you decide this, tell the software (folders, files) what to backup where (disk, even a specific location on it if you wish).

 

[Loa]

How would I be able to use Time Machine to backup to two separate 2TB drives?

I'd suggest Carbon Copy Cloner for this. It's not as pretty as Time Machine, but it's a hell of a lot easier to configure it as *you* want it to work.

Loa

 

[DoFoT9]

after length conversations with nanofrog and a few other members, i eventually went for a RAID1 2x2TB array (total of 2TB) which i use for backing up and my movies etc. this is attached via fw800 to my iMac i7 and easily hits 75MB/s (interface is the limitation here).

when transferring at this 75MB/s threshold it uses not even 10% CPU on my i7 imac.

hope this helps - will you go with hardware or software RAIDs?

 

[strausd]

after length conversations with nanofrog and a few other members, i eventually went for a RAID1 2x2TB array (total of 2TB) which i use for backing up and my movies etc. this is attached via fw800 to my iMac i7 and easily hits 75MB/s (interface is the limitation here).

when transferring at this 75MB/s threshold it uses not even 10% CPU on my i7 imac.

hope this helps - will you go with hardware or software RAIDs?

Well I have been talking to nanofrog on a different thread about putting two drives in an empty 2009 optical bay and I have gotten some great suggestions. Since the 2009 model only has one other SATA port, I would need some sort of PCI controller. There are some that are rather cheap, but I'm not sure how reliable those would be. Also, there are some that will do RAID 0 for fairly cheap too.

I'm still not entirely sure. I wish there was some way to tell time machine that if backup disk number 1 is full, then start putting backups on disk 2 or something like that. Maybe I will go check on the OS X forums.

I would love to have a RAID 0 config for storing all my stuff and use TM to back it up, that would be my ideal situation. But currently, I am still undecided on whether or not to go with a hardware or software RAID. It will probably depend on what drives I can get in the optical bay and what PCI controller I will have.

 

[nanofrog]

...I would need some sort of PCI controller...

No, you need PCIe, which is short for PCI Express. That lower case e is important, as it's a different slot, and won't work with PCI cards.

A software RAID is fine for a stripe set, as it's a small load on the system's resources. A true hardware RAID card would start at ~$300 USD, not what you're looking at.

And BTW, Highpoint isn't the best company to deal with, as they don't design or manufacture anything. Their support sucks as a result. I'd stay away from anything but the RR43xx series, and only use it if you don't need it to boot EFI, and know what you're doing.

 

[DoFoT9]

I would love to have a RAID 0 config for storing all my stuff and use TM to back it up, that would be my ideal situation. But currently, I am still undecided on whether or not to go with a hardware or software RAID. It will probably depend on what drives I can get in the optical bay and what PCI controller I will have.

given the amount of CPU usage i have experienced, i recommend saving yourself the money and build a RAID0 via software. im not sure on the prices of PCIe SATA controllers - i dont expect TOO much though