AMCC 720-0138-00 manual RAID 1 Configuration Example

Chapter 2. Introducing the 3ware® 9590SE-4ME RAID Controller

preserving the data on one drive if the other drive fails. Fault tolerance is a basic requirement for critical systems like web and database servers.

3ware uses a patented technology, TwinStor®, on RAID 1 arrays for improved performance during sequential read operations. With TwinStor technology, read performance is twice the speed of a single drive during sequential read operation.

The adaptive algorithms in TwinStor technology boost performance by distinguishing between random and sequential read requests. For the sequential requests generated when accessing large files, both drives are used, with the heads simultaneously reading alternating sections of the file. For the smaller random transactions, the data is read from a single optimal drive head.

Figure 2. RAID 1 Configuration Example

RAID 5

RAID 5 provides performance, fault tolerance, high capacity, and storage efficiency. Requires a minimum of three drives. Combines striping data with parity (exclusive OR) to restore data in case of a drive failure.

Parity information is distributed across all drives rather than being concentrated on a single disk (see Figure 3). This avoids throughput loss due to contention for the parity drive.

Figure 3. RAID 5 Configuration Example

8 3ware Serial ATA RAID Controller User Guide for the Power Mac G5