Software RAID vs Hardware RAID – Differences explained 2023

Lately, RAID technology has been implemented in almost all applications such as desktops, servers, laptops, storage devices and in environments that require a large number of hard drives. RAID means Redundant network of inexpensive disks. It uses storage virtualization technology to improve the performance and reliability of storage devices.

What is RAID?

RAID technology is a way of virtualizing multiple physical disks into one or more logical drives called RAID levels. The data in each file is distributed across all disks in several ways called RAID levels. The selection of RAID levels depends on the size of the disk drives, the level of reliability and performance required.

The disks are configured so that data is distributed between the disks via striping which distributes the load, or they can be configured via data mirroring which ensures that the content can be recovered. It is also possible to perform a band aggregate and data mirroring to achieve both benefits. Previously there were only five RAID levels like RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 2, RAID 3 AND RAID 5, but the schemes have now evolved to accommodate large applications. The drivers are configured to improve data protection, performance, and capacity.

RAID implementation

RAID technology can be implemented either as hardware RAID in which the configuration is done by connecting a reader to the motherboard via a special hardware called RAID controller, or as software RAID in which the configuration is done by connecting the drives directly to the motherboard whose configuration is then managed by the operating system utility. The type of RAID, whether dedicated hardware or software that best suits your application, depends on how you want your data to be distributed across multiple drivers. In this article, we compare the two RAID implementations and help you choose the best RAID configuration for your application.

Hardware RAID

Hardware Raid uses special hardware called a RAID controller for data recovery and backup. Its implementation is based on RAID technology on a chip. It has its processor and cache memory to run the RAID application.

Benefits of Hardware RAID

One of the main advantages of hardware RAID is that it improves system performance. As said before, hardware RAID has its dedicated RAID processor to run the RAID application. The entire complex configuration is handled by a dedicated processor. Thus, it improves system performance by putting less pressure on the processor of the main computer while distributing the content on disks and restoring the backup data.

Hardware RAID uses its DRAM cache for backup and restore. This translates into better performance when writing data backups and, meanwhile, reduces downtime for recovery.
Hardware RAID adds more configuration options like hybrid configuration which offers better tolerance to one or more disk failures.
Hardware RAID has built-in battery backup units and built-in flash memory on RAID cards. This prevents data corruption during a power loss.
The hardware is compatible with different operating systems and is accessible from any system.

Disadvantages of hardware RAID

The cost of hardware RAID is higher because the configuration requires more hardware.
Hardware RAID does not perform better for certain configurations that use Flash Storage Arrays (SSD).

Software raid

Unlike hardware RAID, software RAID does not use any special hardware to connect storage devices. Here, the storage devices are directly connected to the host computer. Content distribution to disks is managed only by the host operating system utility software.

Benefits of software RAID

Most major operating systems like Microsoft, Apple and Linux support software RAID configuration.
Unlike hardware RAID, software RAID configuration is inexpensive because you don’t need dedicated hardware for RAID configuration. The RAID configuration is performed in the operating system itself.
Software RAID is mainly suitable for processing RAID 0.1, 10 simple which does not cause too much load on the system

Disadvantages of software RAID

Software RAID can affect overall system performance when performing a complex RAID configuration. Software RAID implementation is not suitable if there are too many drivers.
Only limited RAID levels are supported by the operating system and there are few possibilities for operating system migration.
RAID is more vulnerable to viruses and other security attacks because it runs inside the host computer system.
The server-side problem can affect data integrity due to system crashes.

Software RAID vs. Hardware RAID – Which Is Better?

The type of RAID that best suits performance and data availability varies from application to application. Software RAID is mainly suitable for entry-level RAID processing 0.1,10 which does not cause too much load on the system. However, they cannot be used as a high performance solution.

Hardware RAID is primarily used by the application to increase availability and performance, while Software RAID is primarily suited for workstations with limited data storage requirements and entry-level servers that do not require start protection.

That being said, hardware RAID is used in workstations that require large data storage and excel in performance. Since hardware RAID uses a dedicated controller, it is best suited for applications that require complex RAID configurations and do not impose a heavy load on system resources such as software RAID.

In summary, hardware RAID is an attractive option for all entry-level servers to enterprise-level servers for the highest availability and performance solution. However, software RAID is an attractive option if you are trying to save money on the initial investment.