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Raptor
Asked: 2010-03-03 02:01:37 +0800 CST

RAID Virtual Disk Configuration / Partitioning in Operating System?

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I have 6 x 1TB SAS for my new server. I want to create 3 partitions: one for OS, one for Virtual Machines, one for share data. There are 2 options for me:

Option A: Create 3 Virtual Disks in RAID Configuration Utility

Option B: Create 3 Partitions during OS Installation

Given that the disks will run in RAID6, which option is better?

partition raid raid6 virtual-disk

3 Answers

  1. You really do not want to put an operating system, virtual machines and shared data across a single RAID-6 array. The random write performance will grind you to a halt.

    My suggestions is that you create 3 separate RAID1 arrays for OS, VM's and data (with whatever partition scheme you want).

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  2. Best Answer

    I end up using the following method:

    First, I tried to make 1 4TB RAID6 virtual disk, and do the partition job in Windows Server 2008 R2 installation. However, I encounter a problem. Here is my INTENDED partition layout:

    1. 100GB NTFS for OS
    2. 2TB for Data #1
    3. 1.5TB for Data #2

    However, the Windows does not allow me to use all the spaces in the 4TB virtual disk. Here is the layout:

    1. 100MB : System Reserved
    2. 100GB : OS
    3. 1947.90GB : Data #1
    4. 1676.00GB : Unallocated Space

    I cannot make any partition for the #4 unallocated space. Is it a limitation of Windows Server 2008 R2?

    I end up splitting up the RAID6 disk group into 3 virtual disks. problem free.

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  3. Since you are only asking which of option A and B is best, given RAID6 will be used, I would recommend option B.

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