I am attempting to setup a new cache pool using 2 External NVMe drives via USB, the OS is seeing both as /dev/sdk and /dev/sdl. However when attempting to create a cache pool with these two NVMes, I am only able to select one and I do not see any unassigned disks if I have /dev/sdl selected in the cache pool. 

 

Spoiler

 

I believe this might be due to the Realtek drivers, for some reason, not having a unique ID for these two drives. Is there anyway I can spoof or get around this?

 

Spoiler

 

Please post the diagnostics. 

See attached.

mcdnas02-diagnostics-20230105-1159.zip

13 hours ago, MCDNAS02 said:

not having a unique ID for these two drives.

Yep, this is the problem.

 

13 hours ago, MCDNAS02 said:

Is there anyway I can spoof or get around this?

Easiest way would be to use a different USB bridge with a different identifier, Unraid requires unique IDs.

1 hour ago, JorgeB said:

Easiest way would be to use a different USB bridge with a different identifier, Unraid requires unique IDs.

I understood that going in, any suggestions on the more difficult ways to get around this?

Edited January 5, 20233 yr by MCDNAS02

1 hour ago, MCDNAS02 said:

the more difficult ways to get around this?

Using a different interface besides USB.

It is possible but like @JorgeB replied u will need 2 different usb controllers.

i went the long road and bought 3 pcs of "ORICO-TCM2-C3" https://www.orico.cc/us/product/detail/4039.html"

and then by using the firmware update tool 

https://www.station-drivers.com/index.php/en/component/remository/Drivers/Jmicron/JMS583-NVMe-USB-3.1-Controller/Jmicron-JMS-583-NVMe-USB-3.1-Controller-firmware-Version-0.2.0.9/lang,en-gb/

updated the firmware and changed the serial no on each controller, this way all 3 devices was detected in unraid.

you can read more in this thread.

https://forums.anandtech.com/threads/stable-nvme-usb-adapter.2572973/

If you insist on USB, look for UASP support.