Which of these is NOT a benefit of using RAID?

Using RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) offers several benefits, including increased redundancy, enhanced performance, and improved data recovery. However, lower hardware costs is not typically a benefit associated with RAID setups.

RAID indeed provides increased redundancy by distributing data across several disks. This means that if one disk fails, the data can still be recovered from the remaining disks, ensuring that the information is not lost. Enhanced performance is achieved through methods such as striping, which allows data to be read or written to multiple disks simultaneously, speeding up access and processing times. Furthermore, some RAID configurations include features that enhance data recovery options, allowing for quicker restoration of data in the event of a failure.

In contrast, RAID systems often require more disks and additional hardware, such as RAID controllers, which can lead to higher overall costs rather than lower hardware costs. This is particularly true for more complex RAID levels that provide greater redundancy and performance at the expense of additional disk drives. Thus, while the other options highlight significant advantages of RAID, lower hardware costs do not accurately reflect the typical implications of implementing a RAID system.