Thanks Course, but as I have already got one drive is it not the same thing just to buy another and let sit side-by-side on the desk? I did get two cables.

Mike

That should be OK also.

I would still get a second unit of the SAME enclosure, and use the same drive for #2.

You have to use at least two physical drives for RAID. You can't use two partitions on the same drive, if that's what you're saying.

There are two ways you can do it. You can run two cables to two external SATA drives and you can create a Striped array out of them. It'd be more tidy to use a box like Coursie is recommending, but it's not mandatory.

The other option (and this isn't necessarily the best fit for you given what you already own) is to get an external enclosure with an integrated RAID controller. This can run off just one eSATA cable (there's enough thoughput available for two disks) and your laptop never knows the difference.

In your case you should get a second WD eSATA drive to create a 2 disk striped array. That'd be the most straightforward, by-the-book way to go.

Rob

Thanks mack and course. You told me just what I wanted to know. One last question. Cany you start create an new RAID with one used disk with data and one blank new disk?

Are you looking to do RAID-0 (speed) or RAID-1 (mirroring)?

I think both nvidia and intel integrated raid can migrate from a single disk to eithe type of array. I have no idea what can be done with your expresscard.

I'd still want to make a backup first because I routinely screw up arrays when I try to change them. It's not something you'd do often enough to remember, and most documentation I've seen is kind of confusing, usually because it's written by a writer with weak tech skills or a tech with weak writing skills.

Rob