Rebuild RAID array

[Arclight]

Say you move 2 HDs that are part of a RAID array from internal cage to external enclosure. Is it possible to simply rebuild the array with the same 2 drives, retaining data, or would the array be effectively destroyed?

I have a bracket on the back with 2 eSATA ports, connected with cables to SATA ports on the MB, so it would be possible to connect the 2 drives to the same 2 ports as they were when mounted internally. Will this work, or is the chipset/HD controller of the external enclosure going to mess this up?

Figured getting an external drive would be handy, but it's proving to be a pita. :-?

[VipertheSniper]

I'm not sure I'm getting what you're trying to do... I mean the purpose of an external harddrive, atleast for me, is that I can take it with me and connect it with another computer. What you'd be doing, if I understand it right, would limit the connection to your computer only... probably should get an external case that has it's own RAID controller.

[Arclight]

Internal bays are filled up. Was thinking about getting a new HD and put that external, but then figured I could also move the most active, noisiest stuff (RAID array) external. Plenty of enclosures that can fit 2 drives.

The question is, if I get an enclosure with a RAID controller, will I be able to rebuild the array without losing data?



Probably makes more sense to use 1 or 2 mobile racks. :hmmm:

[VipertheSniper]

I've never used a raid array, but from the stuff I've read it could be difficult to rebuild the array without losing data with another controller.

[longam]

If you get an enclosure that simply holds the drives and uses a port for each drive then it would be the same as if they were inside. Just use the same sata ports you had them hooked to on the MB internally.

I use one of these at work for back and its nice when you can hot swap the drives.

They also have port multiplier models that only need one eSATA port and it multiplies for all drives in the case. But it wasn't what I needed.

http://www.pc-pitstop.com/sata_enclosures/scsat44xt.asp

[Arclight]

I've had a look at just about every solution possible; seems to me I'm better of with mobile racks. :yep:

No ****ty chipsets interfering with performance, and no possible horror story because the thing causes your drive to overheat.

Thanks for the input, I learned to avoid external enclosures like the plague. :D