SSD with Mech HDD Raid (purely for backup)

[mrspray]

Hi all

My current PC has a RAID 1 with 2x 1TB HDD's. I only ever use the system with a single raid drive installed and I sync my raid every week purely for backup purposes. I keep my backup off site. My drive has a Ubuntu and Windows partition and this method of backup has worked well for me for any catastrophic patch failures I can just save off my changed files, get my off site disk and I am back up and running.

I would like to know if I can start using an SSD with this raid setup so I can a) keep my current backup method and b) enjoy the benefits of a super fast SSD drive. My MOBO is an Asus P6X58D-E and I am using the Marvell RAID controller.

1) Is this possible?
2) Do I lose any of the SSD benefits?

Thanks

[kalniel]

Interesting 'misuse' of RAID

Yes it's possible, simply copy an image of the SSD to the HDD before you sync it with the backup.

[mrspray]

Thanks for the reply.

Maybe I didn't explain well enough but I want to use the SSD in my system instead of my current mech HDD (which is configured as RAID 1). So can I sync my SDD to the mech HDD to get my current build onto the SSD and then start using the SSD as my my main drive and sync it every week with one of the Mechs so I still have a backup?

Currently Mech (installed) with Mech off site (sync every week) - Raid 1
Planned SSD (installed) with Mech off site (sync every week) - Raid 1

I was planning to buy a 1TB SSD if this works

[kalniel]

So your question is can you build a RAID 1 array consisting of one mechanical disk and one SSD of the same capacity?

I don't know. I don't see why not, though you may have to reduce the volume size on the mechanical disk to account for any over-provisioning that might reduce the SSD volume size. But the marvel controller isn't great - you will be limiting the speed of your SSD anyway, but it may be less limited if you use one of the Intel controlled ports, even if they are SATA 2, and just backup an SSD image to the mechanical drive rather than syncing.

[mrspray]

"your question is can you build a RAID 1 array consisting of one mechanical disk and one SSD of the same capacity?""

Yes this was my question.

What software do I use to create/copy the image (From HDD to SSD and also SSD to HDD for backup)? Will this copy the Ubuntu and Windows partitions without copying the RAID config (superblock)?

If I move this to the Intel controller will Ubuntu or Windows break as they are expcting the partitions to be connected to the Marvell?

Thanks again for your help and advice.