Quick question on ATA RAID 0

[Arakageeta]

I am thinking about setting up my computer's HD into a RAID 0. I understand this can be done now with Apple's DriveSetup. I already have a 40gig 7200 HD. I am thinking about buying another 60gig 7200 (IBM's 120gxp).

Here are a few questions:
1. How great of an increase in speed might I see?
2. What are the issues concerning unbalanced raid disks? (ex. one larger than another or one faster than another)
3. Does the processes of running a raid increase the chance of data corruption? If so, how much?
4. What happens if I need to run a disk utility like Norton and whatnot?
5. Is OS X raid stuff compatible with full-on OS 9?

Thanks.
-Glenn

[mclbruce]

My RAID experience is installing a RAID controller card by Sonnet in a client's machine with matched ATA 60 GB drives. This gives hardware RAID that works in OS X and in 9. ACARD also makes a controller.

My client was very happy with the setup. Opening up 40 to 160 MB Photoshop files went much faster.

My understanding is that the OS X software RAID will not work when in OS 9.

I know that running Norton, TechTool, etc. is a big no-no with a hardware RAID. It's probably the same with a software RAID.

[repro]

RAIDs are great but a few rules apply. For the best performance, both or all harddrives should be of the same size, manufacturer and same firmware (not a must but a plus). Setting up a RAID with Apples Drive Setup is very simple and painless. There is no need for additional IDE adapter cards if you use the two built in IDE connections. Alternatives are ACARDS IDE PCI cards that come in to variations. The first is a simple IDE PCI card with two channels (up to four HDs), the second is the ACARD PCI IDE RAID card that automatically creates a RAID from the connected HDs. The big thing to know is that if you configure your system with such a RAID and you have troubles, repairing that RAID is not easy. You can only use the tools that apple delivers (Diskutility). If you use other tools you will render the RAID useless. If you boot under OS9 the RAID will not be seen and if by some luck you see something, leave it alone or you will render it useless. DO NOT use Norton or Diskwarrior. Now to the positive side. The ACARD PCI IDE RAID card runs under OS9 and X and you can use any utilities you want to repair your RAID. I have four machines running this config and it is a great alternative to big expensive HW RAIDs. One of my machines has 4 120 GB HDs as RAID and I can repair it when I need to.:)

[jeffo]

is there a speed difference between a hardware RAID card and using the apple (or anyother) RAID software to accomplish the same end result? I almost bought a hardware RAID card because i have three 80 gig drives that are individual drives now, but i desided i did not know enough about it at the time to make a decision on it. also does the interface make a difference, what i mean is that two of my 80giggers are ATA internal and one is firewire external. i know that firewire is faster, but i am getting into video editing and would it work if i were to RAID two or more firewire drives. also are the two firewire ports on the computer on a separate bus or the same bus?