[linux-lvm] LVM for a Database

[David Corbin]

What type of database?

Joseph Kezar wrote:

> We are in the process of building a database on a 4 processor 1.8GHz, 
> 4GB RAM Dell 6650.
>  
> I am trying to figure out the most efficient way to use LVM for our 
> raw data storage.  We have a RAID array with 8x36GB drives in 
> it.  Should I do a raid 1+0(mirror 4 disks, and span them to get one 
> logical volume)?
>  

 I've never worked with an Oracle DBA that would favor this.  "Spindles, 
spindles, spindles" they cry.  Now, I realize that you're going to have 
8 spindles no matter what. 

> If so this leaves me a /dev/sdb.  Or would I get better performance if 
> I mirror 1 + 5, 2 + 6, 3 + 7, 4+ 8 to give me /dev/sd[b-e].

If you have to do RAID for everything, then this would probably be most 
favored (easiest to optimize), but I know several DBAs that would prefer 
to use 8 independent disks, along with a good backup plan and "Oracle 
journal logs" for recovery.  Of course, I'd probably do the RAID thing 
because I'm not a DBA :)

David Corbin