Hard drive strategy for first server

[fefzero]

I'm planning out a new unRAID server to move my movie collection from my desktop PC to something that is backed up.

 

Currently, I have two 2TB WD EARS drives in my desktop computer, each of which is has about 1.25 TB of data (they're not used for the OS or anything but movies & tv shows). Before I rip more of my DVD collection, I'd like to move things over to an unRAID server. Here are my current thoughts - would it work if I do it this way?

 

1. Set up unRAID server with new 2TB parity and new 2TB data drive

2. Transfer existing drive A (1.25 or so of data) to unRAID

3. Make sure data looks good on unRAID

4. wipe drive A and add it to unRAID

5. Transfer existing drive B (1.25 or so) to unRAID

6. Make sure data looks good on unRAID

7. wipe drive B and add it to unRAID

 

Final configuration would be one 2TB parity drive, one new 2TB data drive, and two old EARS drives (3 data drives in the array). I'd eventually add more drives when needed. Does this strategy fit in with the recommended way of doing things with unRAID? Would I be better off buying another 2TB drive right away?

[prostuff1]

I'm planning out a new unRAID server to move my movie collection from my desktop PC to something that is backed up.

 

Currently, I have two 2TB WD EARS drives in my desktop computer, each of which is has about 1.25 TB of data (they're not used for the OS or anything but movies & tv shows). Before I rip more of my DVD collection, I'd like to move things over to an unRAID server. Here are my current thoughts - would it work if I do it this way?

 

1. Set up unRAID server with new 2TB parity and new 2TB data drive

2. Transfer existing drive A (1.25 or so of data) to unRAID

3. Make sure data looks good on unRAID

4. wipe drive A and add it to unRAID

5. Transfer existing drive B (1.25 or so) to unRAID

6. Make sure data looks good on unRAID

7. wipe drive B and add it to unRAID

 

Final configuration would be one 2TB parity drive, one new 2TB data drive, and two old EARS drives (3 data drives in the array). I'd eventually add more drives when needed. Does this strategy fit in with the recommended way of doing things with unRAID?

The above procedure will work fine.  The only thing I would add to the process is that a preclear should be run on each disk (especially the brand new ones) before you put them in the array.  Check out the customization forum and look for the preclear_disk.sh thread.

 

Would I be better off buying another 2TB drive right away?

Unless you want to buy another drive, I don't see any particular reason you would ave to.

[christuf]

I'm planning out a new unRAID server to move my movie collection from my desktop PC to something that is backed up.

 

Currently, I have two 2TB WD EARS drives in my desktop computer, each of which is has about 1.25 TB of data (they're not used for the OS or anything but movies & tv shows). Before I rip more of my DVD collection, I'd like to move things over to an unRAID server. Here are my current thoughts - would it work if I do it this way?

 

1. Set up unRAID server with new 2TB parity and new 2TB data drive

2. Transfer existing drive A (1.25 or so of data) to unRAID

3. Make sure data looks good on unRAID

4. wipe drive A and add it to unRAID

5. Transfer existing drive B (1.25 or so) to unRAID

6. Make sure data looks good on unRAID

7. wipe drive B and add it to unRAID

 

Final configuration would be one 2TB parity drive, one new 2TB data drive, and two old EARS drives (3 data drives in the array). I'd eventually add more drives when needed. Does this strategy fit in with the recommended way of doing things with unRAID? Would I be better off buying another 2TB drive right away?

 

This seems to be a perfectly good strategy.  I wanted to be a little more cautious when I moved over, so I bought enough storage to take all my current and near-term future data needs.  That way I could fully populate the array and start to use, keeping my original data intact.  Now that UnRaid has "earned my trust", it can have the older disks! 

 

You might also want to consider 3TB drives, as the newly released 5.0b7 supports them.  Two 3TB hard disks would contain all your current data (2.5TB) and give you some more growing room before needing more HDDs (or using the old drives).  Usual cautions about being careful given the beta status/ few people who have tested it, but just something to consider. 

[fefzero]

Thanks, I'm glad to know that I'm on the right track. I'll definitely preclear any drives first, and I think I'll look into 3TB drives a little more closely before I buy any parts. I appreciate all the help from the community, and I'm very excited to get this thing going once I'm ready!