As in title; is this possible?

 

In a way I'm already doing this: I copy my files to a 1TB external hard drive and then from time to time I switch on my unRaid and copy the files to it ("manually"). I'm not entirely sure that the cache drive feature helps much in cases where the unRaid server is not left on all the time. Perhaps I don't fully understand the concept.

As in title; is this possible?

 

In a way I'm already doing this: I copy my files to a 1TB external hard drive and then from time to time I switch on my unRaid and copy the files to it ("manually"). I'm not entirely sure that the cache drive feature helps much in cases where the unRaid server is not left on all the time. Perhaps I don't fully understand the concept.

 

The cache drive is there to provide a faster write speed when placing files on your unRAID server.

It's purpose is to temporarily store files unprotected so that writes are faster.

During the night the data is moved to the protected array.

 

If your server is not on all the time It may not buy you much. But if it is, it allows you to dump files on the unRAID server at a fast speed without (usually) spinning up the other drives, then move them to a protected drive at a diminished usage time.

 

As to the feasibility of using the USB drive as a cache drive, I'm not suire.

At the very least it would not be as fast as a native PATA or SATA drive, so it may not be worth it.

With unmenu.awk, I believe you can easily mount a USB drive on the unRAID server and access the NTFS data.  So you should be able to hook your external USB drive to your regular workstation, load it up, and then disconnect and plug it up to the unRAID server, and copy the data across.

 

This is not an "official" cache disk, but is a similar idea.

 

Like WeeboTech, I am just not sure if USB is fast enough to be practical.  I'd rather try eSATA if it were me.

Like WeeboTech, I am just not sure if USB is fast enough to be practical.  I'd rather try eSATA if it were me.

 

I would agree here with the eSATA recommendation.

In fact I would also suggest a look at this unit.

 

StarUSA vAge120-SAU Tray-Less USB 2.0/ eSATA Combo-to-SATA External Storage System

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16816215055

 

What I like about this is it does USB & eSATA plus the unit is Trayless. I.E. drives are installed/removed without a tray. Like a floppy.

 

I think the only issue is the machine might need to be rebooted when you want to juggle this unit on the eSATA interface.

(Unless the controller supports hotswap).

Thanks for the advice. The reason I need the cache drive to be external is that my unRaid box is full - there are no more internal slots for drives (and I don't have eSATA). I think I'll just stick to my current "system".