How to configure RAID on Dell PowerEdge Servers

This guide walks you through configuring RAID on Dell PowerEdge servers using the PERC (PowerEdge RAID Controller).

Prerequisites

• Dell PowerEdge server with PERC controller
• Physical drives installed
• Administrative access to iDRAC or direct console access

Step 1: Access the PERC Configuration Utility

1. Power on or reboot your server
2. Press Ctrl + R when prompted during POST to enter the PERC Configuration Utility
3. Wait for the utility to load

Step 2: Create Virtual Disk

1. Select "Create Virtual Disk"

2. Choose your RAID level:

   • RAID 0: Striping (performance, no redundancy)
   • RAID 1: Mirroring (redundancy, 50% capacity)
   • RAID 5: Striping with parity (good balance)
   • RAID 10: Striped mirrors (best performance + redundancy)

3. Select physical disks to include

4. Configure virtual disk settings

5. Save and exit

Best Practices

• Always back up data before making RAID changes
• Use RAID 10 for database workloads
• Use RAID 5/6 for file storage
• Monitor disk health regularly via iDRAC