3 SSD's from 2 SSD's

[CowsGoMoo32]

Current Specs:

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CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($344.99 @ B&H)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14 65.0 CFM CPU Cooler  ($69.89 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus MAXIMUS VII HERO ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($199.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory  ($66.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial M500 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($115.00 @ B&H)
Storage: Crucial M500 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($115.00 @ B&H)
Storage: Crucial M500 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($115.00 @ B&H)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 290X 4GB Tri-X Video Card  ($343.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case  ($84.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair RM 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($119.99 @ B&H)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer  ($19.49 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 Pro - 64-bit (OEM) (64-bit)  ($134.89 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: BenQ XL2420T 120Hz 24.0" Monitor
Keyboard: Razer Blackwidow Ultimate 2013 Wired Gaming Keyboard  ($135.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Mouse: SteelSeries Sensei Wired Laser Mouse  ($79.99 @ Micro Center)
Headphones: SteelSeries Siberia V2 Headset

 

I have a 290x sitting on my table but Im too lazy to install it. I currently have a 7950 in my PC. Anyways moving onto the SSD question. I currently have 2 SSD's in Raid 0. I have been running them in raid 0 for 1 year 4 months with no issues. I am running out of space and need another one. I just want to grab another 240GB one and throw it in. Is there any issues with this?

 

[JJB]

I think windows has to format them to install a new raid volume, so just back them up and restore from the backup and you'll probably be fine

[PineappleHolidays]

Throw it in as an extra drive , not into the array .

Also , add that 290x !

[sanderdegrote]

Most likely you'll need to rebuild the array, which will wipe all your data. But first make sure to check if your raid solution doesn't support expanding an existing array but I'm afraid that's only possible with enterprise-grade controllers.

[dalekphalm]

Current Specs:

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-specs snip-

 

I have a 290x sitting on my table but Im too lazy to install it. I currently have a 7950 in my PC. Anyways moving onto the SSD question. I currently have 2 SSD's in Raid 0. I have been running them in raid 0 for 1 year 4 months with no issues. I am running out of space and need another one. I just want to grab another 240GB one and throw it in. Is there any issues with this?

Most RAID utilities do NOT allow Live Expansion of a RAID 0 volume.

 

Because of the way RAID 0 functions (evenly striping data across all drives), adding a new drive to the RAID means it will have to be completely rebuilt.

 

My recommendation: Clone your RAID 0 volume to a Disk Image File (Using Clonezilla, or EaseUS Clone software, Acronis TrueImage, etc), stored on a separate drive.

 

Rebuild the RAID array with all 3 SSD's. "Restore" the Disk Image File back onto the newly created RAID 0 Array w/ the 3 SSD's.

 

Alternatively: Simply backup all important files, and reinstall Windows once you rebuild the RAID 0 array with the new SSD's.

[CowsGoMoo32]

I think windows has to format them to install a new raid volume, so just back them up and restore from the backup and you'll probably be fine

Forgot to add to the main post but either way I'm doing a fresh install just because I want to.

 

Throw it in as an extra drive , not into the array .

Also , add that 290x !

What do you mean?

I really cant be bothered installing it to be honest. I have had it for a month and like Ill get around to it sometime.

 

Most likely you'll need to rebuild the array, which will wipe all your data. But first make sure to check if your raid solution doesn't support expanding an existing array but I'm afraid that's only possible with enterprise-grade controllers.

Forgot to add to the main post but either way I'm doing a fresh install just because I want to. For 3 SSD's will I need a raid controller?

 

Most RAID utilities do NOT allow Live Expansion of a RAID 0 volume.

 

Because of the way RAID 0 functions (evenly striping data across all drives), adding a new drive to the RAID means it will have to be completely rebuilt.

 

My recommendation: Clone your RAID 0 volume to a Disk Image File (Using Clonezilla, or EaseUS Clone software, Acronis TrueImage, etc), stored on a separate drive.

 

Rebuild the RAID array with all 3 SSD's. "Restore" the Disk Image File back onto the newly created RAID 0 Array w/ the 3 SSD's.

 

Alternatively: Simply backup all important files, and reinstall Windows once you rebuild the RAID 0 array with the new SSD's.

Forgot to add to the main post but either way I'm doing a fresh install just because I want to.

[JJB]

if you check your motherboard manual, if the intel chipset has 3 or more SATA ports it should be fine. And I think Mihemine meant that you would have a seperate drive without adding it to the array. And for the love of PC gaming throw in the 290X, please.

[CowsGoMoo32]

if you check your motherboard manual, if the intel chipset has 3 or more SATA ports it should be fine. And I think Mihemine meant that you would have a seperate drive without adding it to the array. And for the love of PC gaming throw in the 290X, please.

 

Just came ot my mind. Can i leave the 7950 in and add the 290x

[dalekphalm]

Forgot to add to the main post but either way I'm doing a fresh install just because I want to.

 

What do you mean?

I really cant be bothered installing it to be honest. I have had it for a month and like Ill get around to it sometime.

 

Forgot to add to the main post but either way I'm doing a fresh install just because I want to. For 3 SSD's will I need a raid controller?

 

Forgot to add to the main post but either way I'm doing a fresh install just because I want to.

If you are doing a fresh install, then yes, simply add the third SSD to the RAID 0 Array. The Array will have to rebuild - which may take a while (but not too long because it's an ssd).

 

Once it's done rebuilding, simply install Windows, as per usual.

 

EDIT: @JJB makes a good point. Make sure that all of your SSD's are on the same SATA Chipset (Intel if possible). You CANNOT RAID drives that are on different chipsets (Unless using a software raid solution under certain circumstances). All the SATA ports need to be from the same chipset (They are usually color coded - blue for Intel generally speaking, but sometimes black).

[CowsGoMoo32]

If you are doing a fresh install, then yes, simply add the third SSD to the RAID 0 Array. The Array will have to rebuild - which may take a while (but not too long because it's an ssd).

 

Once it's done rebuilding, simply install Windows, as per usual.

 

EDIT: @JJB makes a good point. Make sure that all of your SSD's are on the same SATA Chipset (Intel if possible). You CANNOT RAID drives that are on different chipsets (Unless using a software raid solution under certain circumstances). All the SATA ports need to be from the same chipset (They are usually color coded - blue for Intel generally speaking, but sometimes black).

 

I don't remember how I made my raid.... Anyone have a video?