Which Array Creation Method?

The following table is a guide to choosing the appropriate array creation method. Consider the best uses for these types of methods as some of the methods may pose unintended consequences in some configurations. For example, although Quick Init is the fastest method, it should only be used with new drives. And Clear overwrites every block in the array.

A RAID-1 or RAID-5 created using the Quick Init option may return data miscompares if you later run a Verify task. This is normal and is not a cause for concern.

Create Method

Best used for...

Build

Creating any RAID. Insures the data on all drives in the array is consistent. The array is available immediately however the initialization time is slow.

This is the default for all controllers except HostRAID controllers.

Select Build from the Create Array wizard, Step 3 Advanced options.

Clear

Creating a RAID on new drives or when you want to be sure any preexisting data is removed when the build is complete. Clear overwrites every block in the array. The array is not available immediately however the initialization time is fast.

HostRAID controllers only support Clear. Clear is the default method for HostRAID controllers.

Select Clear from the Create Array wizard, Step 3 Advanced options.

Quick

The fastest RAID creation. However, this is only recommended for use with new drives. You will experience a noticeable performance impact if you use this method with RAID 5 or RAID 50. The array is built immediately but the write performance is slow.

Select Quick from the Create Array wizard, Step 3 Advanced options.

To improve performance on RAID 5 and RAID 50, perform a Verify with Fix.