Basic RAID Information for Dimension XPS

Question

Michael, thanks for the information.   But, I am still a little confused! I am planning to purchase a Dimension (I can't make my mind yet between XPS and 8400, since 8400 seems to have many issues, but I am not a gamer either!), and still do not know whether to choose RAID 0 or 1! I have no experience with RAID , but I understand RAID 0 is the combination of two separate Hard Drives. Then with RAID 0, do I have to use my computer (installing programs, etc...) differently; or, it works as if I had one hard drive (C:) ?   Your help would be most appreciated since I completely lost my trust with Dell Support!

ejn63 · Answer

RAID 0 supposedly provides better performance and gives you the total capacity of both drives.

RAID1 provides redundancy, and gives ou the total capacity of only one of the drives (the other is the mirrot).

The downside to RAID0 is failure - your chances of losing data are doubled - lose either drive, lose the array.

The downside to RAID1 is cost - you lose the capacity of a drive.

Given the low cost of drives and the low peformance impact of RAID0 on the desktop, if you want RAID, go for RAID 1.

Chaga · Answer

What about  buying just one hard drive, instesd of RAID 0 or 1?

ejn63 · Answer

That is an option - so is setting up two independent drives.

Chaga · Answer

Is it true that working with RAID 0 (with two hard drives) is the same as working with one single hard drive? I have no experience with RAID and I am wondering if it is worth, or if it is any different!?

I use an external hard drive for photos, videos, etc...

Thanks for any information.

Storage, Drives & Media

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