Using different speed hard drives for RAID

[Simon Blain]

Hi

I have a DL380 G3 with Smart Array 5i card. I have a combination of Ultra3 and Ultra320 72GB hard drives I want to use for a RAID 1+0 array. Will using these different speed disks cause any issues. I would prefer each drive was identical but even some of the Ultra3 disks have different part numbers. Anyone got any experience using different drives in RAID arrays?

Thanks

[Igor Karasik]

We have used combination of Ultra320 and Ultra3 SCSI drives without any issues.
Just make sure you have latest 5i and SCSI drives firmware.

[David Claypool]

Just keep in mind that your performance will be Ultra3 performance without any advantages from the Ultra320 drive...

[Ozan GUNAYDIN]

You can use them but it is not a common practise.
It is recommended to use identical disks for raid arrays.

[e4services]

As the HP reply reads, mixing different era drives will have no effect on the system beyond what is stated, the communication will be that of the controller or the oldest interface, Ultra3 then. To use Ultra160 or 320 you would need a Ultra320 controller and use all Ultra320 drives.

[Prashant (I am Back)]

It's a old debate i am seeing on this form.

so i will post this link. for your refernce
http://forums1.itrc.hp.com/service/forums/questionanswer.do?threadId=564691

Prashant S.

It will work on lowest speed Hdd in the array. Trust me. or else use PAT to test the result (PAT=Performace assitance tool)

[Prashant (I am Back)]

there are lot of thread on same issue man
http://forums1.itrc.hp.com/service/forums/bizsupport/questionanswer.do?threadId=763660

Prashant S.

Think about it then decide. because RPM/ SCSCI Technology / RAID Type/ HDD health. alot of things are counted here.