Setting cluster size for raid 0?

[kbtat2]

When I install my 2 new drives to setup for raid 0 array can I just set the cluster size to 4k to save the trouble of changing it in windows? What would be the advantage of using the default 16k size? I'm also going to be installing Win XP sp/2 will there be any problems? As you can tell this is my first raid setup and I just want to make sure I do everything right the first time. Thanks.

[Sonny]

I think your confused. The default Cluster Size for XP is 4K.

[kbtat2]

You're absolutely right, I am confused. I read that when I'm installing my raid drivers that it will try to default the cluster size to 16k but windows uses 4k. Would it be alright to set the cluster size to 4k and then install windows?

[Sonny]

When XP defaults the Cluster Size to 4K itself you really shouldn’t be doubting if it’s ok. List your system specs & link to the information regarding your RAID drivers forcing a 16K Cluster Size.

[Albigger]

I have a feeling you are meaning the Raid defaults to 16k STRIPE size???

These are different things (cluster size versus RAID stripe size)

Using two different sizes will not hurt, and I have even read where setting the stripe size to (double or half - can't remember) the cluster size would be a good idea. Don't know if it's been shown to have any actual impact though.

[kbtat2]

Thanks for the reply. I'm really new to this whole Raid thing.

[Sjaak]

As said, the windows cluster size is 4k by default. For the Raid stripe size, 32 or 64 is good. There may be tiny performance difference in certain apps but its almost unnoticable.