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RAID Software User’s Guide 27
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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 Table 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