In RAID configurations employing parity, such as RAID 5 and RAID 6, a dedicated storage device often holds the calculated parity information. This data allows for the reconstruction of lost data should one (or more, depending on the RAID level) drives fail. Selecting an appropriate storage device for this function is crucial for system resilience and performance. For instance, using a high-performance drive for parity operations in a RAID 5 array can improve write speeds.
The ideal storage device for parity information balances performance, reliability, and capacity. A faster drive can improve parity calculation speed, leading to better overall array performance. Reliability is paramount as the parity information is essential for data recovery. Historically, dedicated hardware RAID controllers often dictated specific drive requirements, but with the rise of software RAID solutions, there’s greater flexibility in drive selection. This necessitates careful consideration of the drive’s specifications and its suitability for the specific RAID implementation.