RAID junk

[jbubba]

Howdy,

I'm planning to add a RAID setup to my comp and need a bit of preliminary advice before I start serious scheming.

I want a RAID 0+1 (striping and mirroring) setup. I am planning to use four 80 gig Western Digital hard drives (the only reason for this HD choice is that I already have a WD 80 gig and am very pleased with it). These will be mounted in an Antec Sonata case.

Questions:
1) I will need a RAID card. Can someone recommend a good one?

2) I'm concerned about cooling. My case now has a single 120mm fan. What level of cooling upgrades should I consider?

3) I'm planning to use round IDE cables to keep airflow smooth. Does this actually make any cooling difference or is it merely cosmetic?

4) Is there anything I am missing here? Setting up a RAID looks pretty straightforward - and that's what makes me nervous!

Thanks,

jbubba

[oddjob]

1.) Promise RAID controllers are reputed to be some of the best available. I've used a HighPoint RAID controller, and was very pleased with it.

2.) I think one front intake, and one rear exhaust should be adequate.

3.) Round cables are cosmetic and probably won't be any more effective than properly managed ribbon cables. I have round cables in one machine, and ribbons in another. No problems with either.

4.) Setting up my RAID was extremely easy. It was utterly and completely straightforward.

[Force Flow]

Just as a site note, any data on your drive will be destroyed during the creation of the array.