Greetings list--

I have some knowledge about configuring a RAID array at the hardware level,
however; it's not something I do every day. A server I support has a RAID 5
array consisting of 3 hot-swap Ultra320 hard disks approximately 40 - 50 GB
in size each (not certain of exact individual size). The total array yielded
around 60 - 75 GB for volume space. In any case, the property management
office is to acquire new software requiring 50 GB (not certain) of free
space. This leads to my question.

Since this is a hot-swap RAID 5 array, is it possible to purchase 3 larger
drives, then replace the drives in the array one-at-a-time, giving the array
time between swaps to 'rebuild'? If so, about how much time will be needed
for the array to rebuild on a dual Xeon, 4GB RAM server? Will it then be
necessary to extend one of the partitions to occupy the unallocated space,
once all three drives have been replaced? (The OS is on C: and all the data
is on D:.) 

Or will it be necessary to run a full tape backup, replace the disks,
install the Server 2003 operating system, install the backup software, then
restore from the backup?

Or will the need for so much storage for the database in question to run
make it advisable to acquire a NAS box (also RAID 5 for data protection and
performance)?

Sorry to sound like such a noob, but this is the first time I've had to make
such a potentially significant configuration change with the RAID hardware.

Thanks in advance for any and all assistance.

Paul A. Shippert
Library Media Specialist
Margaret Brent Middle School
Helen MD

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