To use 2 SSD's in RAID 0 on Crosshair V Formula or not to RAID ???

[Henkenator68NL]

Does it bring higher speeds when using 2 SSD's in Raid 0 on Sata 600 controller? Or is there a limit to the max speed of the controller. On my current build 2 ssd's in Raid 0 proved to be much faster on Sata 300 controller. I have tested this thourogly with Atto and al other testing programs.

Currently Using OCZ Vertex 3 120 Gb. which i have been using for months without problems on my current setup Rampage Extreme. I know lots of people complain about sandforce controller, but my conclusion is very possitif.

But for my new build with Crosshair V Formula I would like to know if Raid 0 enhances speed beyond the now controller.

Does anybody have experience with this? Wat are your thoughts about this??

Any advise is much appreciated.

Greetings Henkenator68NL

[360fusion]

Don't use Raid. You lose TRIM support (raid controllers don't have TRIM functionality yet) which gives you a lot of your speed boost for writing files. If you are not concerned about that, then go raid.

[Cephas]

Most SSD's (the vertex included) have firmware based garbage collection that does a similar thing to TRIM when the drives are idle.
This works even when in RAID. Check the OCZ forums for more info.

Some people recommend leaving the PC at the BIOS overnight once a week / month to ensure the drivers really do go idle and kick in the firmware GC.

Only reason not to RAID 0 is the $ or the increased chance of failure. One of those can be cured by good backups 🙂

[Henkenator68NL]

At the moment I have the 2 Vertex 3 120 Gb running on my rampage extreme on Sata 2 ports. I have never had any problem (and indeed if any -> use the backup function frequently and no big problems).
I did a review on that install and build on a dutch site. In the review are several pictures from benchmark results. I found the difference between raid and non-raid stunning (net even talking about difference between hhd and ssd!).


http://tweakers.net/productreview/44913/ocz-vertex-3-120gb.html

I think I will start the new build with the Vertex 3 in Raid 0.

I will post the results here on asusrog as well!

Thanks for the replies so far!

[360fusion]

Cephas wrote:
Some people recommend leaving the PC at the BIOS overnight once a week / month to ensure the drivers really do go idle and kick in the firmware GC.

I know that wasn't your idea, but that is just ridiculous and inconvenient. If that's what it takes to kick in the firmware garbage collection, not using TRIM is not worth it, IMO.

[Cephas]

360fusion wrote:
I know that wasn't your idea, but that is just ridiculous and inconvenient. If that's what it takes to kick in the firmware garbage collection, not using TRIM is not worth it, IMO.

Yes, I guess it depends on what you use the PC for. If its acting as a server or folding box it will suck, if its a gaming or office machine its no big deal.

[Mummy]

Dont know what BIOS you do get in your CHV but i would look that it hasat least 0705 on that it gets little more Performance it wount get to Intels Sata controllees speeds but close anyway.
here's some pics. Only difference is BIOS.

[Mummy]

I have, had, 3 systems with only SSD and only one of them, had TRIM. didnt see any profit on it in my use. On RAID0, i get ~2 times speed, then with only on i sigle use.
So ~2 times speed to start of get's very long to you to see any diffrence for system performance that have same ssd's with TRIM.

I wouldnt use these on servers though. as you may need to secure eraser them some time after use.

[Sleepyjeep]

i use 2 ocz solid 3's in raid 0 they bench just under 800mbs i load in BF3 before my friends even finish saying they connected. i am very please with it, and from what i have read to make full use of garbage collection you need to let them idle while in bios for a bit, so i go into bios after i get home from work and chill there while i shower ect.

[Mummy]

Sleepyjeep wrote:
i am very please with it, and from what i have read to make full use of garbage collection you need to let them idle while in bios for a bit, so i go into bios after i get home from work and chill there while i shower ect.

is this method certified by any manufacturer ? ..How long normaly you have to be there, so the magic hapends ?