How to create a RAID array and what are

If you do not find fault with the details, then, in fact, the possibilities of modern computers are endless. Any computer is equipped with a variety of functions that for the average user are little known and, in principle, are something unknown and supercomplex. In this article we will discuss one of the representatives of such “non-advertised” functions, called “RAID array”, as well as how to carry out the creation procedure correctly and what types of data arrays exist.

Recommendations for creating RAID arrays.

What is it

So, the abbreviation “RAID” stands for “Redundant Array of Independent Disks”, which literally translates as “redundant array of independent disks”. This technology is a combination of several disks into a single logical structure (also known as an array) in order to get more return on available media resources and achieve greater performance, as well as to prevent data loss. Due to the fact that at present HDDs are beginning to lose their relevance, gradually giving way to the leading places for solid state drives (SSD), creating a “RAID”, and so not having a widescreen application, also gradually fades into the background. Why previously they were popular. The fact is that the capabilities of modern HDD are essentially limited, for example, most HDD carriers cannot issue more than 7200 revolutions per minute, with rare exceptions. Therefore, the combination of several HDDs into a single structure was really a valid event and allowed to achieve a significant increase in the operating system speed.

Kinds

There are several varieties of RAID-arrays the difference between which is in the scheme of distribution of the available data and summation of the total useful volume (the most simplified definition).

RAID 0

This is one of the two most common types of considered functional, which also has the second common name “Alternation”. Based on this, it is already possible to guess about the features of this structure. The meaning is pretty simple. Two physical media (A and B) are combined into a single array and summarize their available volume, after which all the recorded information is distributed between them through a partial interleaved recording. That is, the scheme has the following form:

A1-B1-A2-B2-A3-B3-A4-B4, etc.

As a negative side of this type of application, you can highlight the unreliability of stored information, because if one of the elements loses working capacity and some or all of the information on it is lost, then everything that is on the other disk will lose its usefulness and relevance.

RAID 1

Perhaps it is this type that received great appreciation among users, due to the fact that it eliminates the negative sides that were mentioned in the above described version. This array, known as "Mirror", is characterized by creating a mirror copy of one HDD in relation to another. In fact, it creates a copy of the disk, which does not increase the final write speed, but increases the reading speed and the level of information integrity.

RAID 2

All subsequent types of arrays have not received proper use among home use, as for home personal computers such a structure has an excessively high final cost. The principle of construction is more complicated than in the above described variants and represents a grouping of physical media into two groups - one of which is intended for storing information, the other for error correction codes. Immediately it should be noted that the meaning of using this structure is available only if there are 7 or more disks, since it is calculated using the formula "2 ^ nn-1", where instead of "n" one should substitute the number of correction media. Based on this formula, it turns out that for minimum benefit 4 correctional and 3 disks are required for the preservation of error codes. In the end, this allows you to achieve much greater performance than one carrier can offer. Accordingly, the subsequent types of arrays suggest the presence of even more resources (mostly energy-intensive), which significantly reduces the range of their possible use, therefore, within the framework of the article under review, their analysis is not of key importance.

Creature

So, taking into account the above features, as an example, you should analyze the creation of arrays 0, with the help of which the performance of the computer as a whole increases. The main thing to be determined before carrying out any action is the actual support of the considered technology from the motherboard.

IMPORTANT. It is also necessary to warn that during the described procedures all the data available on the disks will be lost! Therefore, first save everything you need.

In addition, despite the fact that currently the procedure for creating “Raids” has undergone some changes in the direction of simplification in order to carry out the actions that will be described below, at least basic skills in computer skills are required.

Next you should proceed directly to the procedure of creating a Raid level 0, for which you will need to do the following (using the example of an Asus motherboard):

  1. take two identical hard drives and connect them to the corresponding SATA connectors on the motherboard;
  2. turn on the computer and open the “BIOS” using the “DELETE”, “F2” or “F12” button (depending on the manufacturer);
  3. go to the “Advanced” tab and open the “SATA Configuration” section;
  4. set the option “SATA Mode Selection” to “RAID” mode;
  5. save the changed configuration and restart the computer;
  6. after switching on, a window will appear with a suggestion to press the key combination “Ctrl + I” to enter the control panel;
  7. in the next step, use the arrows on the keyboard and the "Enter" key to navigate;
    • open the first line “Create a RAID Volume”. (Screen 1) To delete, pay attention to the “Delete RAID Volume” line;
    • then you need to enter the basic data of the future array: (screen 2)
    • “Name”;
    • "RAID Level" - used level 0;
  8. other parameters can be left unchanged.
  9. select the line “Create Volume” and press “Enter”;
  10. A window will appear notifying you that when you confirm (the Y button) all the data on the disks will be lost. Agree to this;
  11. wait for completion and see the presence of the created structure in the “Disk volume information” section, its status should be “Normal”;
  12. exit the console by pressing the “Esc” button.

At this, the creation of the considered functional can be considered complete.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is worth noting that, as can be seen from the above instructions, there is nothing excessively complex here, only a few simple steps in a fairly clear interface. The main thing to note is the correctness of the selection of components and the validity of their use. For example, there are two identical carriers, one of which "breathes its last" and from day to day will lose its efficiency, then its combination with another disk will not bring any benefit to anyone. Therefore, if you have already set out to create such a structure, then provide it with decent devices, so as not to regret it later. Also, it may not significantly differ from the above procedure, which largely depends on the manufacturer of a single motherboard.