P4PE and RAID: need help understanding configuration

[Ken K]

Thanks for checking out this post.

I have a P4PE mb with RAID, although I have yet to use the RAID. I am
considering using RAID 1 mirroring for backup. I have a 120MB hdd
attached to the primary IDE connector

First of all, I do not understand the difference between the IDE
connector (Ultra DMA/100/66/33 (PIO modes 3 & 4 IDE devices) to which my
hard drive is presently connected, and the RAID Ultra ATA/133/100
connector. I realize that it can be used along with the SATA connectors
but am I correct that it can be used with the cable presently in the
Primary IDE connector with a second IDE drive for RAID 1 or 2? I do
not know how one refers to the two drives in a RAID 1 configuration--I
am assuming primary and secondary or mirror--can the RAID Ultra ATA
connector be used for either the primary or the mirrored drive?

Second, if I have a hard drive that is larger than the 120 MB hdd that I
have, say 250MB, is the additional 130 MB utilizable (addressable) as
additional non-RAID hard drive space? Would that hard drive need to be
set as the primary drive in the RAID 1 array? If so, is this
correct?--my strategy would be to partition the 150 hdd into matching
partitions to the 120MB hdd, with an additional partition of the
remaining space, build the mirror, then swap the two drives? Is that
correct? Or could I use the unused 120MB on the mirror drive if that
drive is "swcondary"? In other words, am I wasting my money purchasing
a hard drive that has a larger capacity as the mirrored drive or is that
additional space utilizable?

Thanks
Ken K

 

[DaveW]

To set up a RAID array you must USE IDENTICAL SIZED HARDDRIVES.

 

[Ken K]

Should I format the second hard drive exactly like the first or will
that be taken care of when I set up the RAID?

 

[Ken K]

Thanks.

Also, with a RAID 1, could I also have another drive not on the RAID
that I could use for backing up my other family members' PC's?

Ken K

 

[anon]

Mirror raid does not require identical size drives, however the 'secondary'
drive will only be utilised to the same size as the 'primary'
You can install other drives, personnally I have 2* sata in mirror raid and
2* ide hd's

 

[Ken K]

Does the mirrored drive have a boot sector so that it can be used
identically to the primary drive?