I am in the process of building a desktop system with a RAID array. The motherboard is an Asus P5B Deluxe/WiFi (supports RAID arrays 0,1,5, 10 and a JMicron? controller which supports up to 0,1,0+1, JBOD RAID function , processor an Intel E6600, 3GB Corsair 6400 RAM (2×1024 and 2×512), nVidia Quadro 560 Pro Video Edition and 4 Maxtor 250GB SATA hard drives. I would like to back up my system and data using an external SATA hard drive.
One of the most important programs I run is AutoCAD 2005 and all releases, excluding 2008, are 32 bit programs. Since this is a $3K+ piece of software, upgrading to 2008 is not an option at this time. This is not a gaming machine, but Flight Simulator is run from time to time, but is not of prime consideration.
As a result, I need to run a 32 bit operating system to use my current version of AutoCAD. I would also like to use a 64 bit operating system, so am looking at a dual boot system.
First, I have no idea of what the advertised JBOD RAID function supporting RAID 0,1,0+1 is.
With a normal RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 available, should JBOD RAID even concern me?
I realize one of the advantages of certain RAID arrays is mirroring, but, although attractive, that is not one of my prime considerations. System speed is one of the prime considerations, but if I could get a reasonable compromise between speed and mirroring, I wouldn’t be against the compromise. Is one of the RAID configurations available worth considering as a compromise?
I don’t know if I can backup a RAID array with a single external hard drive, is it possible or desireable? The external backup would be for catastrophic failure insurance, due to hardware, software or virus causes.
Can any or all RAID arrays be partitioned to accommodate dual operating systems? If not all, which ones can or cannot be partitioned, in both the normal RAID and the JBOD? Is it possible or desireable? Any problems associated with it?
One of the advantages of a 64 bit system is the ability to go beyond the theoretical 4GB RAM barrier. If one has a dual operating system and 8GB RAM installed and boots on the 32 bit system, is there a RAM problem or is the excess just ignored and not used?
I realize there is a lot of territory covered here, but thought a single post might be better than a bunch of little ones.
Thanks.
Scott
