How to restore information from a RAID 0 setup (all drives are functional)
How to restore information from a RAID 0 setup (all drives are functional)
I have an older PC setup built around an Asus 990FX motherboard that seems to be failing. I’m planning a fresh build but about five years ago I added a Dell SAS RAID controller, which I purchased inexpensively on Craigslist. It’s currently configured with a RAID 1 array for your data drives, while a RAID 0 (striping) array is used on a couple of 125 GB SSDs for your operating system, including some files you want to back up in the new build. I’m trying to determine the most effective method to recover those limited files without a functional motherboard. My idea is to start with the new build or borrow another PC and install the SAS RAID controller there, then retrieve the data from that working machine. Could anyone explain why a PCI SAS RAID controller wouldn’t work on a different motherboard? I’m certain the existing RAID controller manages all disk operations and configuration independently. It handles everything without needing the OS or the original hardware. I’m wondering if you might be mistaken about its dependencies. I think it’s possible to boot Ubuntu on another PC with a working motherboard, access the RAID drives normally, and read/write data as if they were regular disks. Please advise if my understanding is correct, or if you have alternative suggestions for recovering from RAID 1 arrays. Additional details: - I’m pretty sure the controller and its drives are still working. - The controller is a Dell E222034 SAS PCI-E X8 card. Here’s a link to the product page: https://allthingssurplus.com/dell-powere...card-65-4/ - The drives in your RAID 1 array are two Corsair Force LE 2.5" 120 GB SATA III SSDs.
You're unsure about the details of this device, but it's important to remember the first rule of RAID0: ALWAYS HAVE A BACKUP. When setting up RAID0, the best practice was to back up your data to the RAID1 configuration at least once. As long as your PCI device supports drivers for your operating system, it should be able to recognize its array—just ensure you connect the SSDs to the same ports they were in before. While it might not matter, taking careful steps is always wise when working with RAID recovery.
Yep, I played fast and loose with backup on this one...I guess I was counting on most of my data being on the RAID 1 array. Either way, there's nothing too critical on there, just some stuff it would be nice to have on my new build. After doing some further reading, I found out that my RAID card likely came out of a Poweredge server. So if it can work on a desktop mobo, hopefully it will work on another one. Looking back, I can't recall any OS config whatsoever to get the drives visible, so HOPEFULLY they'll remain formatted and visible on my new build.