concerning Raid arrays...

[snowctrl]

My computer is based on a Rampage IV Formula mobo and running Windows 7 64bit Pro, with a Samsung 840 EVO OS drive.

I am considering adding an internal RAID array, but I have a few questions that I'd be grateful for help with:

1.) I'm running BIOS 5001, and when you switch from AHCI to RAID, it gives the option of RSTe or IRST. Which should I choose? What are the differences? I know these are general questions so feel free to post links for me to read through - I'm having trouble finding good info on this.

2.) Is it ok to add the Raid configuration after OS install? Normally my approach when building a new system is to install Windows on a machine with just the OS drive installed, as this can save complications down the line. But this is the first time I've considered a Raid array...

3.) I intend to use the 4 Sata II ports on the Intel controller on the motherboard for the Raid array. But given it's Sata II not Sata III, using new drives (4 Caviar Black 2TB drives, say) what sort of speeds can I expect? How much speed do I loose by only having Sata II?

4.) Is there anything else I should be considering?

Thanks for your time and consideration - all help appreciated!!

 

[Pinhedd]

My computer is based on a Rampage IV Formula mobo and running Windows 7 64bit Pro, with a Samsung 840 EVO OS drive.

I am considering adding an internal RAID array, but I have a few questions that I'd be grateful for help with:

1.) I'm running BIOS 5001, and when you switch from AHCI to RAID, it gives the option of RSTe or IRST. Which should I choose? What are the differences? I know these are general questions so feel free to post links for me to read through - I'm having trouble finding good info on this.

2.) Is it ok to add the Raid configuration after OS install? Normally my approach when building a new system is to install Windows on a machine with just the OS drive installed, as this can save complications down the line. But this is the first time I've considered a Raid array...

3.) I intend to use the 4 Sata II ports on the Intel controller on the motherboard for the Raid array. But given it's Sata II not Sata III, using new drives (4 Caviar Black 2TB drives, say) what sort of speeds can I expect? How much speed do I loose by only having Sata II?

4.) Is there anything else I should be considering?

Thanks for your time and consideration - all help appreciated!!

1. Intel's X79 chipset initially shipped with the Rapid Storage Technology Enterprise (RSTe) ROM for the storage controller, which is the same used on the C600 workstation and server chipsets (it's the same chip). Asus later added in support for the consumer Intel Rapid Storage Technology ROM.

RSTe = enterprise

IRST = consumer

It's up to you which to use, but IRST is probably better suited for your usage. If you change the ROM at a later date, you must recreate the RAIDs.

2. Yes of course it is.

3. There's plenty of bandwidth available on the SATA-II ports for platter HDDs. Put SSDs on the SATA-III ports, other than that it doesn't matter.

4. Windows 7 does not include native support for the X79 RAID controller. You must install the Intel-provided RST drivers for the RAID to work, preferably before hand. This may affect your system disk as well even if it is not a member of a RAID.

 

[snowctrl]

My computer is based on a Rampage IV Formula mobo and running Windows 7 64bit Pro, with a Samsung 840 EVO OS drive.

I am considering adding an internal RAID array, but I have a few questions that I'd be grateful for help with:

1.) I'm running BIOS 5001, and when you switch from AHCI to RAID, it gives the option of RSTe or IRST. Which should I choose? What are the differences? I know these are general questions so feel free to post links for me to read through - I'm having trouble finding good info on this.

2.) Is it ok to add the Raid configuration after OS install? Normally my approach when building a new system is to install Windows on a machine with just the OS drive installed, as this can save complications down the line. But this is the first time I've considered a Raid array...

3.) I intend to use the 4 Sata II ports on the Intel controller on the motherboard for the Raid array. But given it's Sata II not Sata III, using new drives (4 Caviar Black 2TB drives, say) what sort of speeds can I expect? How much speed do I loose by only having Sata II?

4.) Is there anything else I should be considering?

Thanks for your time and consideration - all help appreciated!!

1. Intel's X79 chipset initially shipped with the Rapid Storage Technology Enterprise (RSTe) ROM for the storage controller, which is the same used on the C600 workstation and server chipsets (it's the same chip). Asus later added in support for the consumer Intel Rapid Storage Technology ROM.

RSTe = enterprise

IRST = consumer

It's up to you which to use, but IRST is probably better suited for your usage. If you change the ROM at a later date, you must recreate the RAIDs.

2. Yes of course it is.

3. There's plenty of bandwidth available on the SATA-II ports for platter HDDs. Put SSDs on the SATA-III ports, other than that it doesn't matter.

4. Windows 7 does not include native support for the X79 RAID controller. You must install the Intel-provided RST drivers for the RAID to work, preferably before hand. This may affect your system disk as well even if it is not a member of a RAID.

EXCELLENT thanks for your swift response. Can I just ask about the RST drivers... I install Windows, then the drivers, then install the HDs for the Raid, then set up the Raid from within Windows...?

Thanks again

 

[Pinhedd]

My computer is based on a Rampage IV Formula mobo and running Windows 7 64bit Pro, with a Samsung 840 EVO OS drive.

I am considering adding an internal RAID array, but I have a few questions that I'd be grateful for help with:

1.) I'm running BIOS 5001, and when you switch from AHCI to RAID, it gives the option of RSTe or IRST. Which should I choose? What are the differences? I know these are general questions so feel free to post links for me to read through - I'm having trouble finding good info on this.

2.) Is it ok to add the Raid configuration after OS install? Normally my approach when building a new system is to install Windows on a machine with just the OS drive installed, as this can save complications down the line. But this is the first time I've considered a Raid array...

3.) I intend to use the 4 Sata II ports on the Intel controller on the motherboard for the Raid array. But given it's Sata II not Sata III, using new drives (4 Caviar Black 2TB drives, say) what sort of speeds can I expect? How much speed do I loose by only having Sata II?

4.) Is there anything else I should be considering?

Thanks for your time and consideration - all help appreciated!!

1. Intel's X79 chipset initially shipped with the Rapid Storage Technology Enterprise (RSTe) ROM for the storage controller, which is the same used on the C600 workstation and server chipsets (it's the same chip). Asus later added in support for the consumer Intel Rapid Storage Technology ROM.

RSTe = enterprise

IRST = consumer

It's up to you which to use, but IRST is probably better suited for your usage. If you change the ROM at a later date, you must recreate the RAIDs.

2. Yes of course it is.

3. There's plenty of bandwidth available on the SATA-II ports for platter HDDs. Put SSDs on the SATA-III ports, other than that it doesn't matter.

4. Windows 7 does not include native support for the X79 RAID controller. You must install the Intel-provided RST drivers for the RAID to work, preferably before hand. This may affect your system disk as well even if it is not a member of a RAID.

EXCELLENT thanks for your swift response. Can I just ask about the RST drivers... I install Windows, then the drivers, then install the HDs for the Raid, then set up the Raid from within Windows...?

Thanks again

If you haven't installed Windows yet, you should provide the drivers during the installation process. The best way to do this is to extract the driver package to a USB stick and load them while installing. To summarize:

Step 1: Configure the storage controller in RAID mode (Intel's firmware RAID controller is AHCI compliant) with the IRST ROM

Step 2: Create the RAID in the UEFI setup (in the CSM, switch the OPROM from Legacy to UEFI)

Step 3: Boot into the Windows installation DVD

Step 4: Load the RAID controller drivers from the USB stick (you'll have to dig through some folders to find them); all RAID volumes and non-RAID volumes should show up.

Step 5: Remove any existing partitions on the target installation disk.

Step 6: Install Windows to the target installation disk.

Step 7: After installation is complete. Install the RST driver suite as this includes the storage service and UI.