Raid 5 vs 1+0

[Jeffrey Geiwitz]

We currently have 2 72 GB drives in our ML350 server with Smart array 641 controller setup as array 1+0. We need more storage space, is it possible to add a 146 GB drive and convert to RAID 5 and share data space? I want the most painless way of expanding storage space and not lose our currant data.
Thanks
Jeff

[raadek]

You can do on-line migration / expansion on disk array level using ACU (Array Configuration Utility).

Whether you can expand your logical drive under your OS or not that is another story. E.g. in MS W2k3 you can use diskpart command for expanding basic drives (non bootable though).

Bear in mind that you will degrade your performance significantly when replacing RAID10 with RAID5. It will be particulary painful if your environmend generates random writes (e.g. SQL).

Rgds

[Jeffrey Geiwitz]

What is the difference between "Expanding the array" or "Extending the array"? This is not a option with bootable drives under W2k3?

Thanks
Jeff

[Uwe Zessin]

> "Expanding the array"

It means that physical disk drives are added to a drive array.

> "Extending the array"?

This isn't SmartArray terminology. The term "extending" describes the process when a logical disk is made 'larger'.


A 'drive array' is just a group of disk drives which form a 'pool of storage'. It provides space for one or more 'logical disks' which makes this space available to servers.