Build RAID-0 from existing config

[Jerm1970]

wOOt! It has arrived!
As the very lucky and appreciative winner of one of the Weekly Giveaways I just received my AData 64GB SSD (S592) from Mr. Tweak and AData. THANK YOU!

So...my goal is to migrate my current config into RAID-0 using the OCZ and AData SSDs.
Before I take down my system and attempt this I'm looking for advice on how to proceed.
I currently have the OCZ SSD as my boot and Apps drive with 2 separate Seagates as storage. I'd like to have the (2) SSDs in RAID-0 for OS and Apps with the 2 WDs in RAID-1 as storage. I have the drivers for the Intel Matrix Storage Manager and currently have (2) Lite-On CD/DVD drives on the purple Gigabyte controllers.
If possible I'd like to be able to use a backup image of the OS (even if it requires a fresh install of the OS and then using the backup to restore the apps, preferences, etc)
Any advice on how to proceed with the least amount of pain but the most reliability would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance for any help and for taking the time to read this.

[wazza300]

Re: Build RAID-0 from existing config

i think you need to create a hard drive image of your ocz hdd and then install it across the two ssd's in raid,congratulations btw

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: Build RAID-0 from existing config

First you need to make the following changes in your registry:

Enable switching between all IDE/AHCI/RAID modes by changing "Start" Values in these keys to 0

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\Msahci\Start
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\Pciide\Start  
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\iaStorV\Start

You can install the Intel matrix program now if you want, or after you restore to the array, it is up to you. If you want to do that now, you will need to switch the BIOS to RAID after making the above changes.

Then backup the system with the following program to a separate drive that will not be used in the array:

Drive Snapshot
Drive Snapshot - Disk Image Backup for Windows NT/2000/XP/2003/X64

I assume you know about alignment correct? I'll move forward assuming you do. Now, you have made your backup, lets create your array!

Plug your 2 SSD's into the SATAII 0+1 ports, and go into the Intel RAID ROM Option BIOS by pressing Control + I at startup and create your array. Then align the disk using diskpart from Vista or Window 7 install disk.

Now, boot from a DOS boot disk and restore the backup to the aligned array.

Here is how to use snapshot in DOS to restore to your array:
Drive Snapshot - restore your disk, using DOS

This of course can be done with any other backup tools you are familiar with, I just suggest this one because I know it will keep your alignment when you restore back to it.

You may actually need to use a different program, or boot from a different disk with an OS to restore to the array with because I am not so sure you will be able to see the array as an array in DOS with that program? Sorry, not sure as I have only used it to complete this process from within windows on a third disk with a totally different OS on it already.

You will be able to tell if the program see's your disk as an array or not when you tell it to show you the disks installed, if you see t SSD's then it does not see the array and you will need to use another program such as Windows Complete PC backup to backup the install and restore to the array.

Just be sure you make the registry changes above before you do your backup, otherwise you wont be able to boot into the restored disk on the array because booting from RAID will not be enabled.

[Jerm1970]

Re: Build RAID-0 from existing config

Thanks man! I'll give this a shot as soon as I have some time.
Anxious to see the difference between 1 SSD and 2 in RAID-0.

[gasan]

Re: Build RAID-0 from existing config

i didnt get your method 100% please explain it More clear pleaseeeee step by step and what is drivesnapshot and why its Related to this method

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: Build RAID-0 from existing config

Thanks man! I'll give this a shot as soon as I have some time.
Anxious to see the difference between 1 SSD and 2 in RAID-0.

It will be double single drive speeds!

Here is a shot of a few benchmarks using 2 x Crucial 64GB SSD's I used to have

Click to enlarge

i didnt get your method 100% please explain it More clear pleaseeeee step by step and what is drivesnapshot and why its Related to this method

What part did you not understand? Drive snapshot is just a free (Trial) imaging program, same as Acronis True Image or similar apps. I suggested the use of it because it will allow you to restore any image, to an already aligned partition while keeping the preset alignment.