RAID 5 Configuration Calculator

RAID 5 Fault Tolerance Formula:

\[ \text{Fault Tolerance} = 1 \]

Usable Capacity:

Fault Tolerance:

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From:	To:

1. What is a RAID 5 Configuration Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the usable storage capacity and fault tolerance of a RAID 5 array based on the number and capacity of drives.

Purpose: It helps IT professionals and system administrators plan storage configurations with optimal balance between capacity and redundancy.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ \text{Usable Capacity} = (N - 1) \times C \]

Where:

\( N \) — Number of drives in the array
\( C \) — Capacity of a single drive

Fault Tolerance: RAID 5 can tolerate exactly 1 drive failure regardless of array size (as long as N ≥ 3).

3. Importance of RAID 5 Configuration

Details: RAID 5 provides a good balance between storage efficiency and data protection, using distributed parity to protect against single drive failures.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the number of drives (minimum 3) and single drive capacity in TB. The calculator will show usable capacity and fault tolerance.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the minimum number of drives for RAID 5?
A: RAID 5 requires a minimum of 3 drives to implement.

Q2: How does RAID 5 compare to RAID 1?
A: RAID 5 offers better storage efficiency (N-1 vs N/2) but similar fault tolerance (1 drive).

Q3: Can RAID 5 survive multiple drive failures?
A: No, RAID 5 can only survive exactly 1 drive failure. For more protection, consider RAID 6.

Q4: What's the performance impact of RAID 5?
A: RAID 5 has good read performance but slower writes due to parity calculations.

Q5: Should I use RAID 5 for SSD arrays?
A: Not recommended due to write amplification and reduced SSD lifespan from parity writes.