Hi guys,

 

When I have my unRAID machine built I'll need to migrate my data across from my Windows Server 2012 machine which is running StableBit DrivePool. The Server 2012 machine has around 12TB of data spread across 3 x 3TB HDDs and 2 x 2TB HDDs.

 

When first built I'm expecting my unRAID machine to have 2 or 3 new 3TB HDDs (most likely WD Reds). Right now in Europe, 3TB drives are still the most cost effective. Lets assume I have 3 new HDDs.

 

So what is the best migration technique when I install the 3TB HDDs in the unRAID box.

 

1. Configure 1 each as parity, storage and cache. Move across the network to the cache and let "the mover" do it's job. When the cache is empty run the next 3TB. As I free up a drive on the Server 2012 machine, add it as storage to the unRAID box.

 

2. Install 1 as parity and two as storage and copy across the network. Move the data across the network and drives as they free up.

 

3. Don't bother with parity for now, assign all three as storage and move just under 9TB over. Take two free drives from the Server 2012 machine and add to unRAID. Copy the remaining data to the array and set one as parity.

 

My end game HDD is as follows: 1 parity (3TB), 4 x 3TB & 2 x 2TB storage, 1 warm spare (3TB).

 

Any better way to do it? I'm wary of doing so much over the network as it'll take an age.....

Personally I'd go with #3, but make sure you have backups of your data and implement parity before you start wiping data off the NTFS disks.  Also take a look at the Unassigned Devices Plugin which will let you mount NTFS drives in your unRAID server.