What is the primary purpose of using RAID in a storage configuration?

The primary purpose of using RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) in a storage configuration is to improve data redundancy and performance. RAID setups can combine multiple hard drives into a single logical unit, allowing for enhancements in both the speed of read/write operations and the reliability of data storage.

In terms of redundancy, certain RAID levels (such as RAID 1 or RAID 5) create duplicate copies of data across different disks. This means that if one drive fails, the data is still accessible from other drives within the array. This redundancy is crucial for protecting data against loss due to hardware failure.

On the performance side, RAID configurations can distribute data across multiple drives, enabling simultaneous read and write operations. This can significantly increase the overall input/output performance of storage systems, especially in environments where data access speeds are critical, such as databases and file servers.

In contrast, increasing power efficiency, enhancing graphics performance, or extending the lifespan of disks are not primary objectives of RAID. While there may be some secondary benefits related to these aspects, they do not represent the main reason organizations implement RAID configurations in their data storage solutions.