RAID

[Matthias Albrecht]

I planned using a ProLiant as database and application server. In total 3 disks are needed to for the application, database log- and datadevices. I'm not sure about the ideal RAID configuration, what would you recommend ? I think mirroring all disks is mandatory for security reasons, but would it be sufficient to only stripe the datadevices ?

[Tom Mucha_1]

Does the database vendor have any recommendations?

It all depends on how much activity the database has. For a small database I could see doing a Raid5.

Here is a great site that can tell you about the advantages and disadvantages of each level, very good in my mind
http://www.raid.com/04_01_00.html

[Matthias Albrecht]

How is the hardware RAID configured, are there tools from HP/Compaq to do that ?
If yes, will they allow the configuration mentioned above?

[Tom Mucha_1]

You use a utility called the Array Configuration Utility. For the initial install it is run off the Smartstart CD that comes with the server. Very easy to use.

If the vendor says Raid 5 is ok, you will need at least 3 physical drives to set it up.

[Matthias Albrecht]

The database (about 10GB) will be used with high activity. So I don't think RAID 5 is an option. Using hardware RAID, what about the RAID controller channels, how do they affect performance ?

[Tom Mucha_1]

I'm not sure what you mean about the controller channels and having an effect on performance.