Raid 5 - Data Striping With Striped Parity - Intel SRCU31A - Server RAID U3-1A Controller User Manual

RAID 5 - Data Striping with Striped Parity

Unlike RAID 4, the parity data in a RAID 5 disk array are striped across all hard disk drives
(Figure 4). The RAID 5 disk array delivers a balanced throughput. Even with small data blocks,
which are very likely in a multi-tasking and multi-user environment, the response time is very
good. RAID 5 offers the same level of security as RAID 4. When one hard disk drive fails, all data
is still fully available. Missing data is recalculated from the existing data and parity information.
RAID 4 and RAID 5 are particularly suitable for systems with medium to large capacity
requirements, due to their efficient ratio of installed and available capacity. RAID 5 requires a
minimum of three disks.
Figure 4. RAID 5
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