Hard Drive setup question

[!TIMMY!]

Hello again

Right here we go; I want to buy the DFI X48 LT for my new PC which has 2 Jmicron sata connectors that I will use for my 2 DVD Writers. It also has 6 sata connectors on the Intel ICH9R. My question is which setup will be best?

I want a fast HD(s) of around a total of 150gb for the OS, Apps and Games.

1TB for storage files and most importantly files for video editing.

(I will get a 1TB external HD to back up the 1TB hard drive(s))

I have at the moment 2 x 250gb WDSE16 7200 sata 16mb and 1 x 500gb WDSE16 7200 sata 16mb.

So I could buy and have:

2 x 74gb Raptors Raid 0

4 x 250gb WD 7200 sata 16mb Raid 0

£250

or

4 x 36gb Raptors Raid 0

2 x 500gb WD 7200 sata 16mb Raid 0

£340

or

1 x 150gb Raptor

5 x 250gb WD 7200 sata 16mb Raid 0

£230

or even

3 x 36gb Raptors Raid 0

3 x 500gb WD 7200 sata 16mb Raid 0

£330

I will use whatever is left over to leave in my current system, and not too fussed about the price difference, I won't upgrade anytime soon after this.

Which do you think is best for me? I am prepared to run the risk of one of the Raid 0 HD's failing, as I back up regularly and my current Raid 0 has been fine.

 

[rrjwilson]

1x 150Gb Raptor

3x 500Gb WD 7200 sata 16mb Raid 0

Is probably the best option for price given your pricing but if you really want that loading speed then get 3x 74Gb Raptors Raid 0 instead of the single (only reason I suggest 74Gb instead of the 36Gb like you have put is my 160Gb OS disk is 20Gb short of being full). I'm still not a fan of Raid 0 as one FU and its all gone.

 

[!TIMMY!]

True, but I backup everything on my external so I should be ok.

I can deal with only having 100gb for OS, Apps and Games, I just want the right balance between fast boot/load times and a fast setup for my video files to edit etc.

 

[rrjwilson]

Well if you have the money (just over £500) and can fiddle the space (I've got a spare 4in3 HDD case which i'm gonna try fitting old laptop drive for test fitting check). Maybe you would think SSD is an option? No not the multiple thousand pound way. The Ritchie Way. RAID some CF cards.

Samsung SSD thread

This idea is just forcing me more towards getting a new jumbo case for fun and frolics

 

[Hassan]

1x 150Gb Raptor

3x 500Gb WD 7200 sata 16mb Raid 0

I agree with what he is saying.

btw do u really need raid 0?

 

[!TIMMY!]

I think over £500 is a bit too far for hard drives for me.

I want Raid 0 for max performance.

Or I could go 4 Raid 0+1 on 4 x 500gb and not have a external HD.