CPU use for MOBO Raid 1

[Jesse]

Hi,

I am considering setting up a raid 1 array using sata drives and the raid 1 features of my nvidia based Abit mobo. I know this will be "software" raid and I am wondering how much of a performance hit I will take re. cpu cycles to perform the raid calculations. I am guessing it will be little or nothing since we are talking about a raid 1 mirror and not something that will require parity calculations. Is my reasoning right, or am I off base here?

This machine will be my primary playback device and I dont want any downtime if I can avoid it. Since a second drive will cost <$50 and the raid features are already on the board I am thinking "why not."

Any input appreciated.

Jesse

[GTwannabe]

RAID 1 shouldn't require any CPU unless it's rebuilding the array.