Users guide

Intel® RAID Software User Guide 28
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2.4.16 Array Purpose
Important factors to consider when creating RAID arrays include availability,
performance, and capacity. Define the major purpose of the disk array by answering
questions related to these factors, such as the following, which are followed by suggested
RAID levels for each situation:
• Will this disk array increase the system storage capacity for general-purpose file
and print servers? Use RAID 5, 6, 10, 50, or 60.
• Does this disk array support any software system that must be available 24 hours
per day? Use RAID 1, IME, 5, 6, 10, 50, or 60.
• Will the information stored in this disk array contain large audio or video files that
must be available on demand? Use RAID 0.
• Will this disk array contain data from an imaging system? Use RAID 0 or 10.
Fill out Ta
ble 12 to help you plan the array configuration. Rank the requirements for your
array, such as storage space and data redundancy, in order of importance, and then review
the suggested RAID levels.
Table 12. Factors to Consider for Array Configuration
Requirement Suggested RAID Level(s)
Storage space RAID 0, RAID 5
Data redundancy RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 10, RAID 50, RAID 60
Physical disk performance and throughput RAID 0, RAID 10
Hot spares (extra physical disks required) RAID 1, RAID IME, RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 10,
RAID 50, RAID 60