1. What is RAID 5?

RAID 5 (Redundant Array of Independent Disks Level 5) is a storage configuration that uses block-level striping with distributed parity. It provides data redundancy while offering good performance and efficient storage utilization.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the RAID 5 capacity formula:

Where:

• \( Min Disk Size \) — The size of the smallest disk in the array (GB)
• \( Number of Disks \) — Total number of disks in the RAID 5 array

Explanation: In RAID 5, one disk's worth of space is used for parity data, providing fault tolerance. The remaining space is available for data storage.

3. Importance of RAID 5 Capacity Calculation

Details: Accurate capacity calculation is crucial for storage planning, ensuring adequate space for current and future data needs while maintaining data protection through redundancy.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the smallest disk size in GB and the total number of disks in the array. RAID 5 requires a minimum of 3 disks. All values must be valid (disk size > 0, number of disks ≥ 3).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use the smallest disk size in the calculation?
A: RAID 5 arrays are limited by the smallest disk in the array. Larger disks will have unused capacity if mixed with smaller disks.

Q2: What is the minimum number of disks for RAID 5?
A: RAID 5 requires a minimum of 3 disks to function properly.

Q3: How does RAID 5 provide fault tolerance?
A: RAID 5 uses distributed parity across all disks, allowing the array to withstand the failure of one disk without data loss.

Q4: What are the performance characteristics of RAID 5?
A: RAID 5 offers good read performance but slower write performance due to parity calculation requirements.

Q5: When should I consider RAID 5 vs other RAID levels?
A: RAID 5 is ideal when you need a balance of performance, capacity efficiency, and fault tolerance for general storage applications.