RAID Controllers

A common layout is two drives in RAID 1 for the operating system, and the remaining drives in RAID 5 or RAID 6 for data. For databases and virtualisation hosts, where write performance matters, RAID 10 is often preferred at the cost of usable space. With large hard drives, RAID 6 gives more protection during the long rebuild after a failure.

No. RAID keeps a server running when a drive fails, but it copies every change instantly, including deletions, corruption and ransomware encryption. A controller fault or a failure during rebuild can also lose the whole array. Keep separate backups, ideally with one copy away from the server, and test that you can restore from them.

RAID 5 needs at least three drives and gives the capacity of all but one. RAID 6 needs at least four and gives the capacity of all but two. RAID 10 needs at least four, always in an even number, and gives half the total capacity. Some controllers have their own limits for each level, so check the controller before planning.

Not strictly. Windows Server can mirror or pool drives in software with Storage Spaces. A hardware controller makes a mirrored boot volume simple, protects writes with its cache, and keeps the array independent of the operating system. Most rack servers ship with one, and it is the straightforward choice for a single Windows host.

Many hardware controllers can expand an array or migrate it to a different RAID level while the server keeps running. The process is slow on large arrays, performance drops while it runs, and an interruption can be serious, so take a full backup first. You also need free bays and drives matching those already in the array.

Yes. Base configuration is available as a service, so the array can be built to the level and layout you choose before the server leaves Doha. Tell the team how the server will be used and they can suggest a layout. Installation, racking and cabling on site are also available.