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Dedicated Server: RAID Configuration

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We're offering up to 2 SSDs in our dedicated server products, so you can use RAID0 or RAID1 as you prefer

Which types of RAID are there?​

Basically, there are different RAID types. Since our dedicated servers are only offering 2 SSD bays, there is only a configuration of RAID0 or RAID1 possible. Other RAID types would require having more SSDs drives.

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RAID0 has slightly faster read and write rates

RAID0​

In this RAID configuration, all existing volumes are combined into one large volume, for example, from 2 SSDs, each with 1 TB. A 2TB partition would be created which could then be used completely. There is no data redundancy, so in case of a technical malfunction, data loss is often inevitable because the data is written in different sectors. If you store sensitive data on your system, RAID0 should not be used or at least regular system backups should be performed.

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If your dedicated server has only 1 SSD this is automatically a RAID0.

RAID1​

This configuration is very different from RAID0, here there is a redundancy of your data, which means that everything you store on your server is duplicated. It is therefore mirrored on both SSDs and would be available at a failure rate of 50%, so your data is safe with 1 SSD. In case of a technical malfunction, only the affected SSD would have to be replaced and your server would rebuild the RAID, which means to mirror the data again. Especially for more sensitive data this configuration is highly recommended, but it is not an alternative to avoid backups.

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Regular backups of all important data are essential!

The Configuration Assistant​

When your server is booting, the RAID configuration tool is required to be started. This can be done by pressing F8 at the necessary boot step.

Press F8 at this point to open the RAID configuration tool

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After a few seconds, this configuration overview will show up.

There are now several menu options:

  • Create Logical Drive Is creating a new volume.

  • View Logical Drive This shows the current RAID configuration.

RAID0

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RAID1

  • Delete Logical Drive You can delete the current RAID configuration, to create a new one for example.

  • Select Boot Volume You could boot from another storage medium, which is not necessary in our case here.

  • Manage License Keys Nothing needs to be adjusted or changed here, the licensing is already pre-configured.

  • Cache Settings The cache option can be adjusted to increase the read/write rates of the SSD a bit. Basically, the last data blocks are cached during every write process for safety reasons for example in case of a voltage loss. This causes a minimal performance disadvantage.

Creating a new RAID​

First of all we check that there is no volume anymore, open Delete Logical Drive

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We press F8 to delete the existing RAID.

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By pressing F3 we confirm the deletion.

After the RAID was successfully deleted we need to open Create Logical Drive

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Here you can see all your SSDs and have a choice of RAID configurations. Of course, not all of these RAIDs can be implemented in the current constellation.

In our example, we choose RAID0 or RAID1.

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You can switch between the menus by pressing TAB

When you're done choosing your RAID configuration, you can confirm them by pressing Enter.

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You can close the configuration assistant by pressing ESC

Select Boot Volume​

If you have touched your RAID, it is necessary to select boot volume. This can easily be done in Select Boot Volume, choose there the logical drive which you have created, otherwise your server will stuck in a bootloop.

Select Boot Volume

Direct Attached Storage

Logical Drive 01

Press F8 to save as bootvolume

In the end you have the possibility by pressing F8 to directly reboot your system or to return into the main menu by pressing Enter. Mention that the boot volume must be set anytime when you have touched your RAID configuration.