Server build question.....?!

[Ryanwb]

I have a server that I want to build into a RAID 5 configuration with an online spare and have 3 logical partitions and I have a question that I have gotten 15 different opinions from 15 different people.

Is it better to create all 3 partitions as logical drives at the Array level or should I create the primary boot partition and leave the remaining space as unallocated and create the partitions in Windows?

Any opinions? The existing server has 1 logical drive at the array level and I am going to upgrade the hard drives so I am going to Ghost the partition. Will I run into issues if I try to put that configuration on a differently created Array?

Anyone...... anyone?

 

[thirty-two]

I really wish I could contribute to this thread, but damn I have no idea what that post means! lol

Good luck Ryan!

 

[PortlandCardFan]

I have a server that I want to build into a RAID 5 configuration with an online spare and have 3 logical partitions and I have a question that I have gotten 15 different opinions from 15 different people.

Is it better to create all 3 partitions as logical drives at the Array level or should I create the primary boot partition and leave the remaining space as unallocated and create the partitions in Windows?

Any opinions? The existing server has 1 logical drive at the array level and I am going to upgrade the hard drives so I am going to Ghost the partition. Will I run into issues if I try to put that configuration on a differently created Array?

Anyone...... anyone?

That is a good question Ryan.

I think speed-wise it makes no difference. You are still reading and write across the same disks (you have the same amount of spindels for I/O). I think were it helps to do one or the other is during a recovery. Not sure though because I partion at the Windows level.

I had some bastard make me redo his array sets because we set up his partions using windows instead of at the array level. Damn Jerk!!!

 

[PortlandCardFan]

I know... I know.... a lot of help I am!

 

[bratwurst]

Make the primaryl partition in the array manager, then create the logical partitions in windows.

If you haven't purchased your hardware yet, I'd suggest instead making a two physcial drive RAID1 setup for your O/S and then 4 or 5 drives in a RAID5 for a different logical drive simply for data.

 

[bratwurst]

Oh and make sure to make a backup of the RAID config to a floppy, make a second back up of that, and then put it in a firesafe. DON'T PUT IT OFF!