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#1
I need help setting up a RAID system
Hi,
So I've had a NAS Server built for about 2 years now, all that it has in it at the moment is a 2TB data drive and a 20GB OS drive. But I want to take it to it's full potential now that my money situation is in check. I'm going to be buying 5 more 2TB HDD's and I want to RAID them together. My issue is that in all my years of working with computers, I've never once dealt with RAID before .
This machine is running Windows Server 2008 R2 on a Mini ITX motherboard in a Lain Li Server case, with 6 3.5" HDD bays.
Complete systems specs:
CPU: AMD Phenom x4 @ 2.2ghz
RAM: 4GB DDR2 @ 800mhz
EVERYTHING ELSE: Onboard
This is the exact motherboard that I have right now.
Newegg.com - ZOTAC GF6100-E-E AM3 (up to 65 watt TDP) / AM2+ / AM2 NVIDIA nForce 430 MCP Mini ITX AMD Motherboard
Now as you can see it only has 4 SATA ports. I need 8 in total, 1 for my 2.5" 20GB OS Drive, 6 for my 12TB of Data drives, and 1 for my Hot Swap bay. So what I was thinking is I could get this RAID card.
Newegg.com - SYBA SY-PEX40013 PCI Express SATA RAID Controller Card
Now what I'm trying to do exactly is RAID the 6 2TB HDD's together for a total storage of 12TB showing as 1 drive in Windows. I'm not concerned about performance because this is just streaming movies/shows to my WD TV Live that is sitting right next to the server, connect via gigabit network.
But because I've never worked with RAID before, I don't know how to go about using 2 different controllers as one, would I do that in BIO's or with software, which RAID version would be the best and simplest for me to use? Please give me any details to make my purchase/setup as easy and as painless as possible. The only thing I'm not willing to do is buy a new motherboard/server setup. I didn't buy the RAID card yet, so if you have any other suggestions, please link them to me :)
Thanks a lot in advanced :)