The Tempting Trap of Hybrid RAID 1: Why Mixing SSDs and HDDs Is a Bad Idea
The idea of combining a fast SSD with a large HDD in a RAID 1 array seems like the perfect blend of speed and safety. However, this hybrid configuration is a trap that delivers the worst of both worlds. This article explains the critical technical reasons why mixing drive types in RAID 1 is a fundamentally flawed concept. You'll learn how the entire array is bottlenecked by the slower HDD, effectively wasting the performance of your expensive SSD. We also cover the maintenance nightmares that arise from conflicting technologies, such as the lack of TRIM support for the SSD and the differing failure modes of the two drives. Before you make this common mistake, understand the smarter alternatives that provide true speed and redundancy without compromise.