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I want to occasionally use an External Startup Disk (Non-RAID).
However I am unclear what the implications might be to my external SoftRAID RAID5 when I boot from an alternate external startup.
My RAID 5 is, of course, not configured as a startup disk. I typically boot from the computer’s built in SSD and store most of my data on the external RAID 5.
I am concerned that booting from an alternate boot drive might break or corrupt my RAID 5 … OR if the external startup disk will simply ignore the RAID 5 altogether. I’m reluctant to try before getting clarification.
The alternate external boot disk will NOT be a clone of the internal boot drive. Instead it will be streamlined and not be configured with SoftRAID.
I do NOT need access to the RAID 5 when booting from the alternate external drive. I suppose I could simply switch off the RAID 5 enclosure when using the alternate drive, but if I were to forget to do so then what might I expect.
Please advise what, if any, precautions I should take to ensure that my RAID 5 is not broken or corrupted.
In an alternate scenario … If I did want to access the RAID 5, I assume I would also install SoftRAID on my alternate boot drive. And If I did so, then would that pose any risks to the RAID 5’s integrity. What would I need to do to ensure no problems might occur and that all remained in sync?
I’m sure my scenario is a typical use case, but I’ve been unable to find solid guidance. I want to avoid any unnecessary headaches.
I’m using the following:
- iMac Pro
- OS X High Sierra 10.13.6
- OWC Thunderbay Thunderbolt 3
- SoftRAID XT with RAID 5
- Alternate External Boot/Startup Disk TBD (likely SSD)
Posted : 05/11/2018 6:59 pm
All data on A RAID volume is self-contained. There is no risk to starting up from other boot volumes.
The only difference when you do not install the licensed driver is errors are not reported and the volume cannot rebuild.
But it will mount fine and work as expected.
Posted : 05/11/2018 11:32 pm
Topic starter
All data on A RAID volume is self-contained. There is no risk to starting up from other boot volumes.
The only difference when you do not install the licensed driver is errors are not reported and the volume cannot rebuild.
But it will mount fine and work as expected.
Thank you for clarifying.
I've been trying to wrap my head around RAID and your points helped a great deal!
Posted : 07/11/2018 1:23 am
