RAID can be in the form of hardware or software, depending on where the processing occurs. ... Because it processes on the internal server, software RAID is slower than hardware RAID However, because hardware RAID requires purchasing additional hardware, software RAID costs less.

How does a software RAID work?

Unlike hardware RAID, software RAID uses the processing power of the operating system in which the RAID disks are installed. The cost is lower because no additional hardware RAID controller is required. It also permits users to reconfigure arrays without being restricted by the hardware RAID controller.

Is my RAID software or hardware?

If your disks say Dynamic and you see the same drive letter on multiple drives you have software RAID. If you see drives named like an actual hard drive manufacturer + model you have no RAID or software RAID on those drives.