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So, I wanted to setup a Dell PowerEdge 1800 with a Cerc 6 channel SATA controller for Raid 5. I had 6 (count them, 6) 750GB hard drives. The only problem is that the Cerc 6 has a 2 TB storage limitation. This means that you can’t setup all 6 drives on the same array.

Before you begin: Flash your motherboard and controller BIOS.

Since I was installing Windows 2003, it was easier for me to get aroud this issue. I’m 100% sure you can do this in Linux as well. The first thing you have to do is setup two Raid 5 arrays. Once you’ve setup the arrays, move on settings up Windows 2003. During the setup, you’re asked to specify the partition that you want Windows (Spamdowz) setup. Make sure that you create a partition on the first array (C). Give the new parititon at least 100 GB (102400 MB) of disk space, the move on to setting up Windows.

Once Windows has completed the setup, you need to go to the Disk management interface. This MMC is located under Start > Administrative Tools > Computer Mangement.

• Drive C should be partitioned in two: 100 GB and remianing 1296 GB (unformatted).
• You should also have a D drive (unformatted).
• Right-click on the box labeled “Disk0″ and convert it to a dynamic drive.
• Repeat the step above on “Disk1″.
• Now you can create a spanning volume, which can be set to drive D. Right click on the second partition under Disk 0 and create a new volume. Make sure that you choose “spanning”, continue through the wizard and you should be able to add the unused space from Disk 1 as well. Once you’re done, you should end up with a second drive, which is a combination of the unused space.

There you have it. You’ve just now created a software Raid 0 on top of your Raid 5. Now you have a 2 TB partition on drive D.