RAID 0 Vs. RAID 1

Here, I will try to provide you with a RAID 0 vs RAID 1 comparison, from different aspects. However, it is necessary, before we start off with the RAID 0 vs. RAID 1 comparison, that we know what RAID actually is?

What is RAID?
RAID is nothing but a computer data storage scheme. RAID was initially the acronym of 'Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks', but storage device manufacturers have changed it now to, 'Redundant Array of Independent Disks'. This was probably done to stop people from thinking, that implementing any of the RAID schemes will reduce the cost of the disk. When implementing any of the RAID schemes, whether RAID 0 or RAID 1, the purpose is either to create a data backup, or increase the performance of the computer. So, let us try to compare the two RAID schemes, RAID 0 and RAID 1.

RAID 0 vs RAID 1
Let us try to understand the RAID 0 storage scheme with an example. Suppose you have two hard drives with 40 GB of memory. In RAID 0 data storage scheme, the data will be divided and stored alternately in the two hard disks. Now, if you are using the RAID 1 data storage scheme, then the two 40 GB hard disks will act as a single 40 GB hard disk. This is because, the data stored in both the hard disks is same. For implementing the RAID 1 scheme, a RAID 1 controller is required. It may be a hardware device that has been designed to handle this type of operation or the system software of the computer itself. The scheme is just used to keep a backup of the data that is being saved. So, of course, the idea behind RAID 0 and RAID 1 schemes must have been clear by now. The point is, what is the benefit of using any of these schemes? Let us try to make our comparison of RAID 0 vs RAID 1 a little more clear, by understanding the advantages and disadvantages of both the schemes.

Advantages of RAID 0
Since the data is broken down and stored in more than one disk at a time, so the performance in this storage scheme is very good. Separate storage devices allow separate channels to the data, hence the access time becomes faster. This is the easiest to implement scheme. Thus, the RAID 0 performance is far better than the other schemes. Because of the high efficiency of RAID 0, it is used in applications that require high bandwidth, like image editing and video production and editing.

Disadvantage of RAID 0
Data is stored alternately in the hard disks. So, if data is deleted from any one of the RAID 0 disks, then it is lost for ever. Besides, the data flow is lost, rendering the program unusable. There is no data backup and hence you have to go through a costly process of data recovery.

Advantages of RAID 1
The data in the hard disk is 100 percent redundant. Hence, there will be no problem in the case of a disk failure. The RAID 1 recovery system is very simple.You will always have a backup of the data in the other disk. It is used in applications where a data back up is extremely necessary. Accounting and financial softwares commonly use this data storage scheme.

Disadvantage of RAID 1
Two hard disks can be counted just as one. This type of RAID function is generally executed by the system software, i.e. the operating system, and hence gets loaded with this work. This results in a decrease in the performance of your operating system and hence the overall performance of your computer. It is thus a very inefficient scheme for data storage. It must have already been clear from the explanation given above, that the data is broken down into blocks and stored in RAID arrays. In RAID level 1, the RAID arrays have a constriction depending on the size of the hard disk.

With the RAID 0 vs RAID 1 comparison given above, you must have already decided on which storage scheme is the best for you. So, if you are looking for high performance and are not too worried about the data backup, RAID 0 is your right choice. But, if you are dealing with crucial data, then ofcourse you need to choose the RAID 1 storage scheme.