De-Fragging a RAID5 Configuration

[GeorgeTuk]

Have a network drive here on RAID5 configuration with 40% fragmented.

Now I am of the opinion that de-fragging would help performance for the users but the other guy is adamant they won't but I am sure after de-fragging in the past my imaging has been much faster.

I can see both sides of the argument but not sure who is write.

Any advice welcome.

Thanks

George

[shaithis]

It depends on a lot of variables.

While users may not see the benefit, especially if they are only accessing and saving smallish files, backup times and the general reading of large files can be improved significantly.

[badass]

Depends on whats stored on the drive. JET or SQL databases it'll make no noticable difference to. Large file transfer/videos etc it'll make a huge difference to. Files less than the cluster size it'll make no difference to.
Conclusion: Defrag it anyway. It wont make it any worse unless your UPS and power fail at the same time.