Mirror 2 HD's with PCI IDE Controllers
I have an Asus CUSL2 motherboard that I would like to use as a low end server...pIII-500 with 512 RAM...
I have a 40 Gig IDE HD for the primary and will install W2000 SBS on it...
Then I want to mirror 2 - 80g HD's with 2 separate Maxtor Ultra ATA/133 PCI Adapter Card (999812) IDE Controller cards...
It will be used to store CAD/CAM drawings in an architectural firm...
Will this configuration work???
Thanx
Steve
I have a 40 Gig IDE HD for the primary and will install W2000 SBS on it...
Then I want to mirror 2 - 80g HD's with 2 separate Maxtor Ultra ATA/133 PCI Adapter Card (999812) IDE Controller cards...
It will be used to store CAD/CAM drawings in an architectural firm...
Will this configuration work???
Thanx
Steve
Lee W, MVP
Don't see why not, provided you are talking about a software mirror.
ASKER
Yes...a software mirror...I just want 2 controllers to work it in case one shoots craps...
Thanx
Steve
Thanx
Steve
SOLUTION
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Unless you are backing up off system daily, I would definitely agree with masterbaker. Software systems are too unreliable.
Chris B
Chris B
ASKER
Masterbaker...
Since I have not set up a mirror system before...and your idea makes a LOT more sense than mine...
Couple questions...
1. Specs of the controller indicate 2 channels...does this mean that I will have a cable going from channel A to one HD and another cable going from Chanel B to the second HD???
2. Is this setup called RAID 1 w/ duplexing???...
3. My plan was to have 2 separate controllers...do I need to purchase 2 of these Promise controllers to have duplexing???
4. How do you set the 2 drives up to mirror???...is there a wizard???...is there a menu after I plug in the Promise cards???
How does this work???
Thanx
Steve
Since I have not set up a mirror system before...and your idea makes a LOT more sense than mine...
Couple questions...
1. Specs of the controller indicate 2 channels...does this mean that I will have a cable going from channel A to one HD and another cable going from Chanel B to the second HD???
2. Is this setup called RAID 1 w/ duplexing???...
3. My plan was to have 2 separate controllers...do I need to purchase 2 of these Promise controllers to have duplexing???
4. How do you set the 2 drives up to mirror???...is there a wizard???...is there a menu after I plug in the Promise cards???
How does this work???
Thanx
Steve
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
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Leew is correct on point #3. You won't be doing duplexing with a pair of IDE controllers. There is a ways to do duplexing, but we're talking some serious equipment (probably around $10k or more) to do this. The likelihood of this controller failing is pretty darn low. You'll lose both drives before you lose the controller. However, you don't ever want to count on hardware always working, so definitely figure out a good backup scheme to tape, external drive, or something else.
Yes, you'd want to set up one drive on channel A and one drive on channel B. This is mirroring. It should be very straightforward and easy to do. Infact, it may bt the default for that controller. The controller should come with a manual to show you how to do this. Basically what you'll do is pop the card in the computer and then attach the drives as masters on each channel. Then when the computer is booting, you should see an option like "Hit Ctrl-A to enter Promise IDE RAID configuration". Do that and then follow the prompts to establish your RAID1 mirror between the two drives. Again, I'm sure they include instructions on how to do this.
If you do run into problems, you can always post another question on this site, but I doubt you'll have to. No worries my friend. :)
Jeff
Yes, you'd want to set up one drive on channel A and one drive on channel B. This is mirroring. It should be very straightforward and easy to do. Infact, it may bt the default for that controller. The controller should come with a manual to show you how to do this. Basically what you'll do is pop the card in the computer and then attach the drives as masters on each channel. Then when the computer is booting, you should see an option like "Hit Ctrl-A to enter Promise IDE RAID configuration". Do that and then follow the prompts to establish your RAID1 mirror between the two drives. Again, I'm sure they include instructions on how to do this.
If you do run into problems, you can always post another question on this site, but I doubt you'll have to. No worries my friend. :)
Jeff
ASKER
Masterbaker...Leew...
Many thanx to both of you...things are a WHOLE lot more clear now...
If I have any other issues, I will post a new question...
STeve
Many thanx to both of you...things are a WHOLE lot more clear now...
If I have any other issues, I will post a new question...
STeve