Hi all, 

 

Been a while since I posted here ! Guess it means things have been working well. 

 

I'm about to do multiple changes on my server but I'm not sure on the optimal order ! Goal being to minimize downtime for Plex users. 

 

Server : Unraid 6

Running on a dedicated dual xeon machine

10 TB parity

8 TB data

8 TB data

8TB data

6 TB data

4 TB data (old and starting to show errors)

 

I just bought two 14TBs WD reds and a replacement for the 4TB. 

 

Here's what I want to do: 

 

- Set one of the new 14TBs as the new Parity Drive

- add the 10 TB (old parity) and the other new 14TB as Data

- replace the old 4TB with a new 4TB

 

I haven't pre-cleared, basically did nothing. Drives are ready to be added to server. 

 

Any help with the steps and the order would be greatly appreciated! Again, goal is to minimize Plex downtime for remote users. 

 

Last thing, I will be getting a third 14TB in a month or two, and I will then setup dual parity. I am in severe need of space now, thus why I don't want to setup both new 14TBs as parity right now. 

 

Thanks ! 

Up to you if you want to test any of the new disks with preclear before using them. You can test them on another computer using software from the disk manufacturer if you want. If you don't preclear a disk that will be used in a new slot then Unraid will clear it so parity remains valid. Clear disks aren't required for rebuilds.

 

There shouldn't be any actual downtime for any of this since it is all just replacing / rebuilding, or clearing / adding new disks. Of course rebuilds will affect performance of other access and other access will affect performance of rebuilds. Clearing / adding new disks shouldn't affect performance much since the new disks are independent of the parity array until cleared then formatted.

 

I would start with replace / rebuild the suspect 4TB disk.

 

If you want more detailed recommendations based on your actual disks and hardware, post diagnostics.