another hdd query

Dwarfer

i couldnt have said it better myself! raid0 and raid1 lets you connect two hdds together and do clever things with them:

RAID
There are different types of RAID, as you know. RAID0 and RAID1 are the common types, but unless you're a real need-for-speed guy or care about your data I suggest you don't get RAID but for both RAID0 or RAID1 arrays you need TWO hard drives.

RAID0 (Stripping) - This improves HDD overall datarate performance, by using two hard drives connected together the data is split 2 ways (like dual-channel) thus almost doubling the datarate, this also lets you have two drives appear as one larger disk (drive C) (2x 160gb appear as a single drive at 320GB) just like JBOD (Just Bunch Of Disks). RAID0 does not improve security like RAID1:

RAID1 (Mirroring) - This is for security, copies the same data onto two hard drives simolutaniously so if one hdd fails then the data is still safe, RAID1 does not improve performance.


JBOD (Just a Bunch Of Disks) - Like Windows NT, JBOD allows multiple drives to be connected as a single drive in the GUI, ie, drive C:
example:
3x 160GB physical drives appear as a single 480GB drive in Windows.


If you use a raid array it is a bit complicated to setup, also the hard drives need to be the SAME size and ideally the same make and model for the best performance.



unless you're a pc enthusiast I would not suggest bothering with a RAID array, again, you may find it complicated to setup and the extra price for the 2nd hdd is a good idea only for those who appreciate the extra speed

Motherbaord
As for your motherboard question, I would go for the intel i965 chipset motherboard, if your pc is going to be an office-based system the IQ965 motherboard is better
Computer hardware and software at amazing prices, available online from Scan Computers UK

I hope i have answered your question and hope i havent complicated things further, find more info here:

WHICH MOBO ?
Intel or Nvidia? nForce 680i Challenges Intel P965 and 975X | Tom's Hardware UK and Ireland

WHICH HDD ?
Tom's Hardware Guide Processors: 3.5" (desktop) Hard Disk Charts

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craigy091203

thanks for the reply
no you didnt complicate things in fact you have totally cleared things up for me
thanks very much

Dwarfer

your welcome if you need more help dont hesitate to post more on HWF

good luck with your new system

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