RAID 0 vs RAID 1: Comparison and Setup Guide [2024 Updated Edition]

Updated by

Tracy King 

Last updated on April 22, 2024

Applies to: All Windows servers from 2003 to 2022.

This article covers everything you need to know about RAID 0 and RAID 1. Here, we delve into the details of these two disk types. If you need to learn how to set up and manage RAID 0 or RAID 1 disks, read on, as you'll discover how to manage RAID disks on your server.

RAID 0 and RAID 1: An Overview

So what is RAID 0? And what is RAID 1? Before we explain these, let's first understand what RAID is.

RAID, which stands for Redundant Array of Independent Disks, is a storage technology that combines multiple disks to work together as a single drive in a Windows Server computer to expand its storage capacity.

RAID 0, also known as striped disk, combines and connects multiple disks together, allowing the system to read from and write to the disks simultaneously at a faster rate. Stripping is a storage technology that breaks data apart and saves it across strip units on the connected disks.

RAID 1, also known as disk mirroring, is a technology that duplicates two or more disks. RAID 1 disks allow a computer to read and write to both mirror drives simultaneously. It also provides better redundancy, ensuring that the system can read data from at least one of the disks as quickly as possible. Keep in mind that because the system has to write data to two disks, write operations may be slower than read operations.

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What's the difference between RAID 0 and RAID 1?

What is the difference between RAID 0 and RAID 1? Given the definitions of RAID 0 and RAID 1, it's clear that their disk connectivity technologies are different. Are there any other distinctions? Check out the comparison table to learn about the unique features of each disk type:

You might also be wondering about the read and write speeds of RAID 0 and RAID 1. If so, read on for more detailed information.

Which is faster, RAID 0 or RAID 1?

Based on the configuration and operation mode of RAID 0 and RAID 1, it's clear that these two disk types have different read and write speeds.

Reading speed:

RAID 0 splits data across multiple disks, which definitely increases read speeds – even more so than RAID 1. This is because RAID 1 writes to two disks and, when reading, the system needs to compare and retrieve data from both, making it much slower than RAID 0.

Writing speed:  

When writing to a RAID 0 and RAID 1 disk setup, RAID 0 also writes much faster. However, because RAID 1 has redundancy and fault tolerance, the system needs to write data to both disks, which slows down the write speed.

Assume that you created a RAID 0 and a RAID 1 array using the same brand and capacity of hard drives. In this case, RAID 0 reads faster than RAID 1. RAID 0 also writes twice as fast as RAID 1.

When to Use RAID 0 and RAID 1

One might ask, “When would I use RAID 1?” and “When would I use RAID 0?” Most experienced Windows Server users know the difference and when to create one versus the other.

RAID 0, with its distinct characteristics, excels in reading and writing data to disks. On the other hand, RAID 1 offers an advanced level of data security for users. Here's a list of different use cases for RAID 0 and RAID 1 for your reference: RAID 0: 1. Improved Performance: RAID 0 uses striping technology to write data simultaneously to multiple disks, significantly boosting read and write speeds. 2. Expanded Storage Space: RAID 0 allows users to combine two or more disks into a larger logical drive. 3. Suited for Large File Systems: Ideal for applications that handle vast amounts of data and require fast access, such as video editing or gaming. RAID 1: 1. Data Redundancy: RAID 1 employs mirroring, duplicating data across two disks to ensure data remains safe even if one disk fails. 2. High Security: With data backed up on both disks, RAID 1 provides excellent data protection, suitable for environments with strict data safety requirements. 3. Seamless Failure Recovery: If one disk fails, the system can switch seamlessly to the mirrored disk without requiring a data recovery process. 4. Suited for Small Scale High Availability Setups: Although more expensive, RAID 1 is appropriate for small servers or critical applications needing continuous service uptime. When choosing between RAID 0 and RAID 1, consider your specific needs in terms of performance, storage capacity, and data security.

By comparing the table, it's clear that RAID 0 and RAID 1 are intended for different uses. So the editor's suggestion is:

• If you need fast access to content on your computer or database, RAID 0 is the way to go.
• For ensuring the safety of your business data or millions of document files, RAID 1 is your best bet.

**Further Reading:** Is RAID 0 SSD Worth It for Gaming?

Setting up RAID 0 or RAID in Windows Server involves configuring the storage controller and creating the RAID array. Here's a general guide on how to set up RAID 0 in Windows Server 2016, but the process should be similar for other versions: 1. **硬件准备**: - 确保你有至少两块相同容量的硬盘。 - 确认你的主板或服务器支持RAID功能，并已安装了适当的RAID控制器驱动。 2. **进入RAID配置**: - 在启动过程中，根据制造商的指示进入BIOS或RAID配置 utility。通常，你需要在计算机启动时按特定的键（如F2、F10、Delete等）。 3. **创建RAID阵列**: - 在RAID配置界面，选择"Create New Array"或类似的选项。 - 按照提示选择要用于RAID的硬盘，然后选择RAID级别。对于RAID 0，选择"Stripe"或"RAID 0"。RAID 0提供更高的读写速度，但不提供数据冗余。 4. **分配空间和确认设置**: - 分配你想要用于RAID 0的磁盘空间。 - 仔细检查你的设置，确保没有错误，然后保存并退出。 5. **初始化硬盘**: - Windows Server会检测到新创建的RAID 0阵列。在“磁盘管理”中，该阵列应显示为未分配的空间。 - 右键点击该阵列，选择“初始化磁盘”。 6. **创建卷**: - 在“磁盘管理”中，右键点击“未分配”的空间，选择“新建简单卷”。 - 跟随向导完成卷的创建过程，指定大小、驱动器字母、文件系统类型（如NTFS）和格式化选项。 7. **等待完成**: - 完成上述步骤后，RAID 0阵列将被格式化并准备好使用。这可能需要一些时间，取决于硬盘的大小。 请注意，RAID 0不提供数据保护，如果任何硬盘故障，所有数据都将丢失。如果你需要数据冗余，考虑使用RAID 1（镜像）或RAID 5（分布式奇偶校验）。

Here, we will walk you through a comprehensive guide on how to set up RAID 0 or RAID 1 disk arrays using both software and hardware methods. But before we begin, let's first understand the differences between creating a RAID array using software and hardware approaches.

So, how to create a RAID 0 or RAID 1 disk array with multiple hard drives? Follow the full guide below, and you'll make it.

#1. Prepare the hard drive

Here are some tips to keep in mind when preparing hard drives for RAID:

• If possible, use disks from the same brand. • Select disks with the same storage capacity, for example, two or more 1 TB disks. • Install and connect the drives correctly to the server computer. • For RAID disks, mechanical drives are still more commonly used when creating the array.

#2. Decide how you want to set up RAID 0 or RAID 1

There are two normal ways to configure a RAID 0 or RAID 1 environment between disks: the hard way and the easy way. Here's the difference:

• Software RAID: No setup required in the BIOS. Easy to create a RAID disk with reliable software.
• Hardware RAID: Uses the RAID controller card on your server, and sets up the type of RAID disk in the BIOS. This is a more complex process.

Hardware RAID is more common, as most server computers come with a RAID controller card for creating a RAID environment. Here's how to set up your RAID 0 or RAID 1 disk:

#3. Setting up RAID 0 or RAID 1 on Windows Server (2022/2019/2016)

Creating a hardware RAID 0/1:

Step 1: Power down the server, open the case, and remove the motherboard so you can get to the RAID controller.

Step 2: Get your SATA cable ready.

Step 3: Install the hard drive into the server's RAID controller.

Next up, connect the disk to the RAID controller.

Step 4. Replace the cover on the computer case, and then restart the server computer. Press F2 to enter the BIOS setup.

Step 5. Enable RAID in the BIOS based on your motherboard model.

1. Navigate to **Configuration** > **SATA Drives**, and set **SATA Mode** to **RAID**. 2. Go to **Advanced** > **Drive Configuration**, and set **Configure SATA** to **RAID**. 3. Enter **Advanced** > **Drive Configuration**, set **Drive Mode** to **Enhanced**, and enable the **RAID** option.

You can set the disk mode to RAID 0 or RAID 1, as needed.

Step 6: Press F10 to save changes and exit.

After that, you need to wait for the process to finish. When it's done, you will have successfully created a RAID 0 or RAID 1 disk configuration on your computer.

Creating software RAID 0/1:

For some small business users, you might want to create RAID 0 or RAID 1 with software, as it's more efficient and cost-effective. To do this, you'll need to rely on reliable disk management software. In this case, we recommend giving tools Partition Master a try.

Configuring the software to use striping RAID 0 or mirroring RAID 1 is both efficient and reliable.

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First, install the disk.

Connect all the drives to the server computer via SATA cables, or install them inside the server computer.

Next up, combine all the disks into a dynamic disk.

Here, you would do that by merging all the disk space by converting the disk from basic to dynamic, which is what Partition Master was designed for.

Step 1. Install and launch the Partition Master, then go to Disk Converter.

Step 2: Choose the disk conversion mode that suits your needs:

• Convert to Dynamic Disk: Convert a basic disk to a dynamic disk.
• Convert to Basic Disk: Convert a dynamic disk to a basic disk.

Step 3: Choose the destination disk - Basic or Dynamic. Check if you have selected the right disk, then click "Convert" to start the conversion.

0:00 - 0:18 Convert basic disks to dynamic disks; 0:19 - 0:36 convert dynamic disks back to basic disks.

Finally, create the RAID 0 or RAID 1 array.

Now, you can create a RAID 0 striped volume or a RAID 1 mirrored volume. Here's how to do it using the Partition Master tool:

Step 1. Launch Partition Master. On the main interface, right-click unallocated space on the hard drive or external storage device and select “Create.”

Step 2. Adjust the size of the new partition, the file system (choose a filesystem as needed), label, etc., and click OK to proceed.

Step 3. Click the Run 1 Task button and then create the new partition by clicking Apply.

Watch the following video tutorial to learn how to create partitions on an NTFS, FAT, or EXT file system.

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After following the full guide, you should now be ready to use RAID 0 or RAID 1 on your computer.

Tip: Managing and Using RAID 0 and RAID 1 Disks

That's it for how to create a RAID 0 or RAID 1 array. We also have some tips for managing and getting the most out of your RAID disks:

• Backup important data or content to an external storage device or cloud drive with RAID 0.
• Avoid breaking the RAID disk mode, or you'll lose all your data.
• If you need to upgrade a RAID 0 or RAID 1 disk to a larger one, use a cloning tool. See: Clone RAID.
• Turn to reliable data recovery software for help when you lose data from RAID 0. See: Recover RAID 0 Data.
• To create partitions on a RAID disk, you can use the Partition Master tool.

Conclusions

In this article, we compare RAID 0 and RAID 1 and explain the differences between these disk types. You can create both disk modes on your own with the help of this guide.

For an easier way, you can use the Partition Master tool and follow the software RAID guide to create RAID 0 or RAID 1 on your computer immediately.