Is it possible to install Windows 10 on a striped SSD pair? Dynamic drive etc?

[thedonquixotic]

I have two SSDs. One is 250 the other is 125. I got the 125 first to seperate my data and OS, but ran out of room on the 125 for programs. So then I got the 250 for my programs.

Some of my programs need to run off the C drive though, so I though it would be a good idea to run my OS off a combined striped drive.

When I try and turn the SSD into a striped drive though, Windows tells me I can't run OS off of it. But I also see multiple articles talking about running OS on Raid 0 so I'm a little confused on what is actually the truth. Any clarity?

 

[theyeti87]

Configuring SSDs into a RAID array is not ideal. Also, you cannot truly establish RAID0 between disks that are not identical.

Keep the disks independent from each other, don't RAID. There's a plethora of articles on the web why RAID SSDs is not preferable.

You should use the larger SSD to host your OS and other important applications/data and use the smaller SSD for extra storage.

 

[dark_lord69]

"Windows tells me I can't run OS off of it."
RAID 0 should run and boot an OS without issues.

Perhaps it's happening because you are using mismatched drives?
Did you setup the RAID in the BIOS or EUFI? (That should work.)
Did you setup the RAID using software? (That would not work.)

"establish RAID0 between disks that are not identical."
yeah, my Server+ study guide says that the drives should have the same architecture.

I agree with theyeti87.

 

[SkyNetRising]

I have two SSDs. One is 250 the other is 125. I got the 125 first to seperate my data and OS, but ran out of room on the 125 for programs. So then I got the 250 for my programs.

So OS is installed on 125GB drive and then you got 250GB drive?
Or your OS is installed on 250GB drive, 125GB drive is for programs, and then you got another 250GB drive?
Your description is rather confusing.

 

[thedonquixotic]

Configuring SSDs into a RAID array is not ideal. Also, you cannot truly establish RAID0 between disks that are not identical.

Keep the disks independent from each other, don't RAID. There's a plethora of articles on the web why RAID SSDs is not preferable.

You should use the larger SSD to host your OS and other important applications/data and use the smaller SSD for extra storage.

So basically it sounds like it comes down to the fact that the disks are not identical. I know there are disadvantages of setting up RAID 0 but I figured it wouldn't be that big a deal for what I was hoping to do.

What about a Spanned array then? They don't have to be identical for that right? Could I set up a Span array between the two SSDs and then install my OS on that?

 

[theyeti87]

If your motherboard's chipset supports JBOD, or spanned array, then you can do that. It won't provide you with any benefits other than having one disk instead of two.

 

[thedonquixotic]

If your motherboard's chipset supports JBOD, or spanned array, then you can do that. It won't provide you with any benefits other than having one disk instead of two.

Yeah, I know, I'm not looking for speed benefits. I just want to be able to simplify my working environment. One disk to work on, keep data, archive stuff, etc, and one that I install programs and the OS on. More than anything, it's just a matter of keeping stuff clean looking

 

[thedonquixotic]

Looking at this page, from my research, it looks like maybe installing dynamic disks is not possible on Home versions of Windows?

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/927520/you-cannot-select-or-format-a-hard-disk-partition-when-you-try-to-install-windows-vista,-windows-7-or-windows-server-2008-r2

"Important Dynamic discs are only supported for:
Windows Vista Business
Windows Vista Enterprise
Windows Vista Ultimate.
Windows 7 Enterprise
Windows 7 Professional
Windows 7 Ultimate
Windows Server 2008 R2 Datacenter
Windows Server 2008 R2 Enterprise
Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard
Windows Web Server 2008 R2

They are not supported for Windows Vista Home Basic, Windows Vista Home Premium, Windows 7 Home Basic, Windows 7 Starter, and Windows 7 Home Premium."