What is best practice for Intel RST RAID chipset and Linux?

[VCava]

I have servers and desktops with Intel RST RAID chipset on the board. I want to install Centos Linux 5 or 6.

I read many posts on the Internet and understand that RST is host-based or "fake" RAID. I also downloaded the Intel RST pdf on this subject, but the document doesn't give pros and cons on setting up in the BIOS other than the boot loader is stored there.

So what is the best practice for setting up RAID-1 (mirror) on Linux boxes.

Should I setup as mirror in the BIOS? Centos 5.9 and later have the drivers and will view the RAID as a single volume during install.

Should I leave the disks as independent non-RAID and setup as software RAID?

I will install the mdraid or dmraid afterwards to check status, etc.

What is the best practice for this and what are disadvantages of setting up as mirror in the BIOS?

Thank you.

[Edward_Z_Intel]

Check the following documents:

http://www.intel.com/support/chipsets/imsm/sb/CS-020648.htm Intel® Rapid Storage Technology (Intel® RST) — Supported operating systems

http://www.intel.com/support/chipsets/imsm/sb/CS-020663.htm Intel® Rapid Storage Technology (Intel® RST) — Linux* support for Intel® RAID controller hubs

https://www-ssl.intel.com/content/www/us/en/intelligent-systems/software/rst-linux-paper.html Intel® Rapid Storage Technology in Linux*

Hope it helps.