[SOLVED] Setting up a RAID?

[Vamo Elysian]

Hi all,

I was wondering if it is possible to set up a RAID using only some of my available drives? For example, my setup runs 2 x SSD, 1 X M.2 and 1 X HDD.

I would like to RAID together the two SSD drives into one big drive, is that possible or do you have to use ALL the available drives? Is it even possible to RAID a HDD with an SSD or M.2?

Also, what would be the best and most reliable RAID to use? I see talk of a 0 and 5 option but not sure what would be best, my setup is primarily for gaming.

Finally, do the drives in question need to be blank to create a RAID? As mine all currently have files on them.

Thanks for your time

Dale

 

[USAFRet]

1. WHY RAID?
2. What specific RAID array type? 1, 0, 5, other.
3. A RAID array needs to be of the same type drives, and same size drives
4. See #1.

 

[USAFRet]

Setting up a RAID?

Bottom line - Don't

 

[Vamo Elysian]

WHY RAID?

Well, the reason I asked is because I've had to split my Steam games between two different SSDs as one is currently full, and I figured making one combined SSD would save some hassle of having two different install directories for Steam. As for what kind of RAID? I was hoping you could tell me lol, I've no clue if 0, 1 or 5 is best!

 

[USAFRet]

Well, the reason I asked is because I've had to split my Steam games between two different SSDs as one is currently full, and I figured making one combined SSD would save some hassle of having two different install directories for Steam. As for what kind of RAID? I was hoping you could tell me lol, I've no clue if 0, 1 or 5 is best!

Steam games are EASY to put on different drives.
One Steam Library per drive.

Steam games location
In the steam client:
Steam
Settings
Downloads
Steam Library Folders
Add library folder

Designate the not-full one as the default. Install accordingly.

As for what kind of RAID? I was hoping you could tell me lol, I've no clue

Then you absolutely do NOT need nor want any RAID thing.

Windows and applications have gotten really good at using multiple drives.
A RAID array is useless for 99% of consumer use, including/especially yours here.
It just added needless complexity and fail potential.

 

[DSzymborski]

Well, the reason I asked is because I've had to split my Steam games between two different SSDs as one is currently full, and I figured making one combined SSD would save some hassle of having two different install directories for Steam. As for what kind of RAID? I was hoping you could tell me lol, I've no clue if 0, 1 or 5 is best!

This is not one of the few scenarios in which RAID makes sense for a consumer.

Even if it was a good idea, there's more work safely maintaining a RAID than simply having two install directories.

In any case, if you do want to do this kind of thing, you can simply set up a basic, spanned volume.

How to turn old hard drives into one large drive in Windows

Put your old hard drives to good use. We'll show you how to combine them to make one large drive in Windows.

www.cnet.com