Help! Raid!

[NewbieOC]

I am in the process of building a new computer and thought of using RAID, but dont know what to use and Matrix RAID sounds confusing, if someone could tell me the best RAID to use on a hand full of Maxtor STM3160215AS 160GB

[redduc900]

If you're thinking about RAIDing your HDD's, and Intel Matrix RAID is confusing to you, then post what you're unsure about so we can help you further. Also list your new system spec's in detail, or better yet create a sig. that contains a list of your components, including the OS you'll be running. Also include what you're planning on using the system for, i.e. graphics design, gaming, etc. And "a hand full of Maxtor STM3160215AS 160GB" means nothing to us, so list the exact number of HDD's you plan on RAIDing. If you haven't already, check out the Official RAID sticky at the top of this forum...

RAID?? Striping? ever wonder what RAID is all about?
http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=104802

... which links to this page:

What is RAID?
http://www.staff.uni-mainz.de/neuffer/scsi/what_is_raid.html

[NewbieOC]

Ohh thanks I was thinking of using:
MSI P7N2 Dimond
4GB Coiair Dominator Ram
A E8400 or A Q6600
2-4 Maxtor STM3160215AS 160GB (Depending on raid, i heard diffrent raids use diffrent amount of drives)
Coolermastter V8
Windows XP
XFX GTX280 (maybe 2 in SLi)
A Estrmrix 850W PSU

Mostly For gaming and School work

Need to know whats best to keep my data safe and have most space (Read raid 1 is reliable but Raid 0 gives most space but dont wanna lose alot of data as it will be school work)

Im thinking of running RAID 5 or RAID 0+1

[fritzman]

Ohh thanks I was thinking of using:
MSI P7N2 Dimond
4GB Coiair Dominator Ram
A E8400 or A Q6600
2-4 Maxtor STM3160215AS 160GB (Depending on raid, i heard diffrent raids use diffrent amount of drives)
Coolermastter V8
Windows XP
XFX GTX280 (maybe 2 in SLi)
A Estrmrix 850W PSU

Mostly For gaming and School work

Need to know whats best to keep my data safe and have most space (Read raid 1 is reliable but Raid 0 gives most space but dont wanna lose alot of data as it will be school work)

Im thinking of running RAID 5 or RAID 0+1

Can I suggest that you also take a gander at the Matrix stickies... There's a bit of an explanation about the Raid0/Raid1 mix in the last few posts of the big stickie, and the one with pic's makes it pretty easy to set up.

You shouldn't be counting on any system involving raid as a 'foolproof/I will never lose my data' system. You must always have another copy somewhere, whether it's on Bluray/DVD/External Drive/etc.