SQL Server Performance Forum – Threads Archive

Existing RAID Re-configuration

I’m working on a storage solution for a friend of mine in order to optimize his database performance and to provide some redundancy. Currently he is running on a Dell PE2650 w/ Quad 2.4 GHz Xeon Processors and 1GB of RAM. There are 5 34GB drives in a RAID 5 configuration with a PERC 3/DC controller which are partitioned into two logical drives, 12GB for the system and the remaining 123GB (and change) as a data partition. Currently the data and log files all reside on the data partition. He is in the process of purchasing a new Dell Powervault with 3 72GB drives. What I would like to do is move configure the new drives in a RAID 5 and move the datafiles over. After that, I’d like to break up the current array into a RAID 1 for the log files and and a RAID one for the system drive. (Not sure what I’m going to use the remaining disk for, but suggestions are welcome). What I’m looking for are some pointers i.e. steps on how to get this done, considerations, and opinions on whether this is a good strategy or not. I’m not really a hardware guy by trade, but I’m all he’s got. Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

Well, a think you will have a lot of oppinions here.
In my oppinion, is a good idea to move log to RAID 1, also tempdb. If money is problem, go on with RAID 5, if not I love RAID 10 for data.
Luis Martin
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I would agree with Luis. Spend a few hundred dollars more and go with a 4 or 6 disk RAID 10 configuration in that PowerVault for RAID 10 if you can afford it. If not, RAID 5 is fine, although I don’t recommend a 3 disk RAID 5 configuration. I would use at least 4 on the PowerVault. After that, if you can seperate tempdb as Luis mentioned that would help a lot. MeanOldDBA
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the OS disk gets almost no activity if the system is configured correctly,
so it could be shared with the log, or tempdb
consider moving the drives around if possible

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