I have a USB 3.0 drive 3TB sitting idle in my study and I was wondering if I could use it as a parity drive on my unraid server. 

 

So:

1) is it possible?

2) if so, is there any downside to using a USB dr instread of SATA or PCIE?

 

Why not just crack it open and use it as an internal drive?

I can't. It's a WD passport for laptops, and I looked the innards don't have the sata connector. 

 

I guess I could try pluggIng it in but will there be a hit on the performance?

It will work, and if it's the only USB drive (as long as it's a UBS3 port) performance should be OK.

 

Error handling by USB on the other hand will probably not be as good as an internal drive, also make sure it's not easy to bump the cable and disconnect, etc.

Edited May 18, 20179 yr by johnnie.black