Difference Between Software RAID vs. Hardware RAID
Here you will find out:
- what is software RAID and hardware RAID
- what is differences in hardware and software RAID
- how DiskInternals can help you
Are you ready? Let's read!
RAID, an acronym for Redundant Array of Independent Disks, is a strategy for data storage that combines several independent hard drives into a unified storage system known as "Arrays." Various RAID configurations, or RAID levels, are available, each providing distinct benefits like parity, enhanced fault tolerance, and data striping.
Implementing a RAID setup can boost read and write speeds and expand your storage capacity for data and other crucial files. RAID systems are established using at least two hard drives along with a component called the "RAID Controller." This controller can be either software-based or hardware-based, with each type having its own specific characteristics and differences.
What is Software RAID?
Software RAID is a type of RAID setup where no additional hardware is required except the hard drives to be used in setting up the array. This type of RAID setup is typically more affordable since you won’t be buying a physical RAID controller device. Currently, RAID is supported by many operating systems, including Windows OS, macOS, and Linux Distros.
You can set and deploy software RAID on any system that runs on supported OSes. What makes a Software RAID is the absence of a hardware RAID controller – the RAID is managed by the OS. But then, generally, software RAID is less effective than hardware RAID. Some tech experts also suggest that software RAID cannot only configured on the OS level, it can also be done via BIOS.
While software RAID may appear simpler to set up, it is actually more complex in the real sense. Replacing a failed drive in a software RAID array is more complicated compared to hardware RAID. Also, software RAID can affect the PC’s performance as the RAID controller software will utilize a fair share of the system’s RAM and CPU. This RAID only works best for RAID 0, RAID 1, and RAID 10.
What is Hardware RAID?
Apparently, hardware RAID is the opposite of software RAID. This is a RAID setup done using an intermediary device known as the “RAID Controller.” So, unlike in software RAID where processing is done by the system’s OS and RAM, in hardware RAID, everything is handled by the controller, and this can mean faster-operating speed and more efficiency at an “additional” cost.
Basically, you can set up hardware RAID on any operating system, and replacing a failed disk is much easier – in most cases, you just need to remove the failed drive and insert a new one. Because you need to purchase additional hardware, the controller, setting up a hardware RAID is more expensive than software RAID. But then, hardware RAID works for all RAID levels.
The type of disk you decide to use for this RAID type doesn’t matter, whether it’s SSD, HDD, NAS, or SAS drives. Most data centers and big data corporations use hardware RAID setups, of course, it can be set up for individual usage, too. Actually, choosing between hardware and software RAID is based off many factors.
Hardware RAID vs. Software RAID – Which is Better in 2024
The truth is, that hardware and software RAID can be very much effective depending on the type of drives used, the RAID’s application, and how it is been set up. Software RAID used to be neglected, but with newer computer systems being equipped with higher processors and monstrous specs, software RAID has evolved to a great extent.
On the other hand, the efficacy of your hardware RAID will base off the controller you’ve got. Older controllers without cache are almost useless and will definitely deliver poor performance. To use hardware RAID, your server must have PCI where the controller will be plugged into, and this could be a restriction for places where everything is being run remotely.
Talk about flexibility, it is more easier to replace a faulty drive on a hardware RAID than a software RAID. However, if the hardware RAID’s adapter/controller fails, you will need to replace it with the exact model and make, otherwise, you’ll have to rebuild the RAID from scratch using a new – different model – controller.
Performance-wise, you’re sure to get faster speeds when you choose hardware RAID, but this does not imply that software RAID is not fast – it’s just not as fast as hardware RAID. RAID controllers are not exactly cheap, notwithstanding, a number of them are affordable, but when you go with software RAID, you won’t bother about getting any adapter or controllers.
If you’re on a budget but have a computer system with high specifications, you may want to go with software RAID, but if you’re more concerned about high performance and “more” flexibility, hardware RAID will be a better option.
Software RAID (Advantages & Disadvantages)
Here’s a rundown of the PROs and CONs of software RAID clarified in simple points for easy understanding:
Advantages:
- Affordable to set up
- No additional hardware is needed except the hard drives
- Reconfiguring RAID arrays does not require getting another controller/adapter
- Suitable in environments where remote operations are preferred.
Disadvantages:
- Seemingly performs slower than hardware RAID because the speed is relative to the processing power of the system OS and CPU
- Not all RAID levels can be set up as software RAID
- It’s more complex and tedious to replace a failed drive in software RAID
- Supports Windows, macOS, and Linux distros
Hardware RAID (Advantages & Disadvantages)
Yes, sure, hardware RAID has its limitations too, and you might just want to ditch them for that.
Advantages:
- Offer better and faster performance speeds than software RAID because it uses a dedicated “adapter” that handles the data processing.
- Replacing a faulty drive in the array is much easier
- You can set up any RAID level
- Can be set up with all known operating systems
Disadvantages:
- Costs more to set up as you need to purchase additional hardware
- Hardware dependency means that if the controller fails or gets physically damaged, the RAID will fail.
- You will always need the same controller model and make to replace a previous one that has failed.
Raw Capacity vs Usable Capacity
Raw Capacity refers to the total storage capacity of a drive. For example, if you have three 500GB drives, the total raw capacity at your disposal is 1,500TB. On the flip side, Usable Capacity refers to the total amount of space usable for storing data on a drive. Depending on the disks’ setup, you will most likely have lesser usable space than the actual raw capacity of the drives.
RAID levels have a heavy impact in affecting the usable capacity of your drives. When you configure a RAID level, you’ll be sacrificing about 30 to 40 percent of storage space for redundancy, so you’ll be getting 60 to 70 percent usable capacity on the drives.
Well, not only RAID setups take up some percentage of storage on hard drives. Once a drive is formatted, you’ll be sacrificing about 10% of the drive’s storage for the manufacturer and your OS. So, when you have three disks that sum up to 1,500TB RAW capacity, by the time you’re done setting up the drives for your preferred RAID level, you may be left with around 800GB usable capacity for data storage.
Conclusion
Software RAID and hardware RAID are the two general methods of setting up RAID levels. However, software RAID setup has more limitations and less efficiency compared with hardware RAID setup. But then, software RAID is cheaper and allows you to reconfigure the RAID array without thinking about controller compatibility.
This article clearly compares software and hardware RAID in a way that you will easily understand the differences. If you’re on a budget, software RAID will be preferable, but if you care about performance, hardware RAID is the choice. In all, you should endeavor to have a RAID data recovery software handy, so you can quickly recover from your RAIDs if things go south at some point.