To RAID or not to RAID

anthpal · July 22, 2015

So I've just bought a Gen 8 Hp proliant micro server to store all my photo's, I am a photographer part time and need to store and archive my photos, I use Lightroom to edit and want to store the catalogue on the server, is it going to be a good idea to set the server up as a RAID config ? or do i just install 4 drives and use them to as is. Could anyone share or give their opinion on what they do or even have ?

xTrekStorex · July 22, 2015

So I've just bought a Gen 8 Hp proliant micro server to store all my photo's, I am a photographer part time and need to store and archive my photos, I use Lightroom to edit and want to store the catalogue on the server, is it going to be a good idea to set the server up as a RAID config ? or do i just install 4 drives and use them to as is. Could anyone share or give their opinion on what they do or even have ?

Firstly it is always annoying when you for instance run out of space on one folder on one harddrive an would have to move that folder or create a second one on another harddrive to add more space. so using all HDDs as one should be your basis - JBOD does just that. however JBOD doesnt really provide any failure safe mechanisms. so if you use JBOD backup everything on a weekly basis at least. for better safety and a performance gain a RAID is really nice, especially in a server.

considering 4 drives I'd recommend a RAID10. if you dont need any extra speed, but just safety go for RAID5 or 6.