RAID on DELL Inspiron 1720, how to?

Hi!

I have two hard-disks in my notebook (specifications in my signature), and I'd like to use RAID. I've read online that Inspiron 1720 does not support RAID, though Inspiron 1721 does. On further exploration, I found that it does not support Hardware RAID, and it supports (I think) software RAID. I have some questions regarding setting that up, and I'd be grateful if someone could help me.


1) Obviously, the first question is that can my notebook support Software RAID?

2) If it can, which RAID should I use? 0/1/x? Can I use two at the same time? I've read online people use 0+1.

3) One of my hard-disks is 7200rpm, and one is 5400rpm, will there be any problems? On how much rpm will the setup run after RAID has been setup?


Thank you!

 

Anyone????

 

Ooo A 1720 user! I am a fellow 1720 user as well! Anyway I don't think you can do a RAID configuration on it, but according to vista I think** it can. I can't answer you directly but I take a stand - I don't think you can. If it's possible I'm sure it should be stated in the instruction manual. That will depend on Motherboard and BIOS configuration.

Anyway, I wouldn't want raid, but I have 2 HDDs, one at 350GB one at 200GB (7200rpm) works great and I think that's good enough. RAID only works with the same RPM, and same capacity.. I think**... But I don't want to answer directly and wrongly...

Why do you want RAID, if may I ask?

 

am contemplating buying a second hand 1720 and putting two 7200rpm drive in it. Why RAID? for performance!

i use linux and you can raid any two devices easily

 

Do remember software RAID is often slower than hardware and if you RAID0 you double your chances of losing all your data. If one hard drive of the two fails, you loose everything.

 

I have an Inspiron 1720 as well. Not really interested in the RAID, well actually dont really know much about what RAID is. I store all my files on my second hard drive. A WD 500GB 5400rpm. Works well. My primary hard drive is a 320GB 7200 RPM drive by WD as well. Works well because it loads the programs pretty quick. Now if my primary hard drive fails I still have all my files (Pics, music, video, word processiong docs.) I love my set up.

 

There is no RAID in the 1720. Neither in the BIOS till now. You can only install two HDDs, and that's it. I tried for years searching for it. And it is not advisable to do via software RAID and gains no performance and its commercially not available. It's hard to find one also.

RAID 0 does not mean that the drives fail more easily. Your data will be lost and become uncovered if one drive fails; now that's RAID 0.

Just backup, backup, backup and double backup regularly all the time, regardless if the drives are RAIDed, mirrored or not.

And this is a very old thread FYI.

 

hahaha, i didn't even see the date. Wow

 

Erm... no I was refering to Devedander. LOL I didn't see your previous reply. When I posted mine I saw yours just suddenly appeared. Heck, we're like posting at a synchronized time.

 

contemplating getting a 1720/1700 vostro and using software raid. Mostly i use linux and so its easy to set up... but im sure you can do something with dynamic disks in xp to get a software raid (ive steered well clear of vista).

i dont see how there can be any serious demand on the processor with a core 2 duo... disks arent that fast even if i stripe two 7200rpms (my intention).

the annoying things is i have to get a 17" to do this. Ideally i'd like to get an xps but i need a 8000+ series GPU for work, it's not about performance so much as only 8000 on support nvidia cuda. xps1530 are just about affordable but then i'll have to give up playing with raid.

The 1730 cost way more than i can afford so im kind of wondering if theres a way to put a 8600gt or something into a cheap low spec m170...? SomeForOfHuman, you seem to know the deal with these things. Is it possible?

 

hadn't realised this was the same thread i already posted on...

I will put my system on a raid0 it can always be restored if a disk dies. My important files will be on raid1 so the'll be safer than if i had only one drive.

I dont play many games. Except a bit of civ4. it runs in wine so with a bit of tweeking should run better than in windows on the raid.

 

Why, kind sir, I have the same setup, except, both my drives are 7200 rpm!

 

I actually saw that somone makes a 500GB 7200 rpm drive but new egg never has it in stock. I'm thinking that might be the way to go. That or just keep the 500 I have for storage and throw in an SSD. I'd love to go the SSD route, but its just so expensive for so little storage space. I also have the T9300 2.5 Ghz For the last day thought the computer is running slower then normal and I can't for the life of me figure out what might have changed. Haven't installed anything and 99% sure i don't have spyware or viruses. Just aggravating