Current setup: 250GB 2Ghz Intel iMac w/35GB avail used for application and data storage. 160GB LaCie d2 triple external drive w/<10GB avail used for backup only.
I have a need to expand as both my internal and my external drives are pushing the limits. I've had my LaCie d2 for about 1 1/2 years and have had zero issues with it so I thought I would pick up one of their bigger drives.
After doing some research, it was apparent that there were a LOT of issues with the LaCie drives that used multiple platters. Along about the same time, I was perusing eBay and found many 160GB LaCie d2's available for not a lot of money.
Well, I purchased 3 additional LaCie 160GB d2 external drives for a total of 640GB external drive space, for approx $58/drive. I am now struggling to figure out how I want to set them up - which brings me to the title of this thread: To RAID or not to RAID?
Option A: Mixed RAID 0 and non RAID
Option B: RAID 0
Option C: RAID 0+1
I've gone back and forth on the benefits and drawbacks of each model so I'd appreciate any additional feedback or thoughts that you may have. I am hopeful I will be able to set them up this week, so any thoughts you have on the options listed above (or any options that may be better) would be greatly appreciated.
I have a need to expand as both my internal and my external drives are pushing the limits. I've had my LaCie d2 for about 1 1/2 years and have had zero issues with it so I thought I would pick up one of their bigger drives.
After doing some research, it was apparent that there were a LOT of issues with the LaCie drives that used multiple platters. Along about the same time, I was perusing eBay and found many 160GB LaCie d2's available for not a lot of money.
Well, I purchased 3 additional LaCie 160GB d2 external drives for a total of 640GB external drive space, for approx $58/drive. I am now struggling to figure out how I want to set them up - which brings me to the title of this thread: To RAID or not to RAID?
Option A: Mixed RAID 0 and non RAID
Internal Drive (250GB): Application and user data (backed up to .Mac)
External Drive 1 (160GB): iTunes music and iPhoto pictures
External Drive 2 (160GB): Movie and video files
External Drive 3&4 (320GB): Raid 0 for drive 1 and drive 2 backup purposes
External Drive 1 (160GB): iTunes music and iPhoto pictures
External Drive 2 (160GB): Movie and video files
External Drive 3&4 (320GB): Raid 0 for drive 1 and drive 2 backup purposes
Option B: RAID 0
Internal Drive (250GB): Application and user data (backed up to .Mac)
External Drive 1&2 (320GB): Raid 0 used for iTunes library
External Drive 3&4 (320GB): Raid 0 for drive 1&2 backup purposes
External Drive 1&2 (320GB): Raid 0 used for iTunes library
External Drive 3&4 (320GB): Raid 0 for drive 1&2 backup purposes
Option C: RAID 0+1
Internal Drive (250GB): Application and user data (backed-up to .Mac)
External Drive 1&2 (320GB): Raid 0 used for iTunes library
External Drive 3&4 (320GB): Raid 0 mirrored with drives 1&2
External Drive 1&2 (320GB): Raid 0 used for iTunes library
External Drive 3&4 (320GB): Raid 0 mirrored with drives 1&2
I've gone back and forth on the benefits and drawbacks of each model so I'd appreciate any additional feedback or thoughts that you may have. I am hopeful I will be able to set them up this week, so any thoughts you have on the options listed above (or any options that may be better) would be greatly appreciated.