June 2, 201016 yr Is it possible to run UNRAID on only two disks? I have 3 disks currently, but it is possible to run only on two? I would assume add a data drive and parity and then if down the road I want to add additional space, I could add the 3rd back. I am not storing any data on the 3rd drive now and would like to power it off to avoid wear and tear for a later date. Are there problems with this?
June 2, 201016 yr Is it possible to run UNRAID on only two disks? I have 3 disks currently, but it is possible to run only on two? I would assume add a data drive and parity and then if down the road I want to add additional space, I could add the 3rd back. I am not storing any data on the 3rd drive now and would like to power it off to avoid wear and tear for a later date. Are there problems with this? You can't just power it off. You need to stop the array, un-assign the drive you are not using, then use the initconfig command on the command line to store a new initial configuration. It will then calculate parity when you next start the array. (If you are using a version of unRAID prior to 4.5.4 there is no "initconfig" command, it took the place of the button labeled as "restore" on the user-interface. You would press it instead.) You should upgrade to 4.5.4 if using any older version. 4.5.3 has a serious bug where all the drives could appear un-formatted when you first power up the array. If you see that DO NOT press the "Format" button. Just Stop the array and then press "Start" once more. It should then look correct. Joe L.
June 3, 201016 yr Author This would be a new install. I am currently on 4.5.3 so I would upgrade, but it does sound like I could use 2 drives for now. I was originally under the impression the minimum number of drives was 3, which I am currently running, but only utilizing one. Thanks!
June 3, 201016 yr This would be a new install. I am currently on 4.5.3 so I would upgrade, but it does sound like I could use 2 drives for now. I was originally under the impression the minimum number of drives was 3, which I am currently running, but only utilizing one. Thanks! Actually the minimum is 1 drive, with no parity drive assigned. Obviously you are not protected from a disk failure, but it will function just fine. Yes, upgrade to 4.5.4 before you get caught by the 4.5.3 unformatted bug. It can cause a lot of grief if you press the button thinking you are only formatting a newly added disk, when instead you are formatting ALL your existing data disks too. Joe L.
June 3, 201016 yr If the disk isn't assigned to any function then it should just spin down and stay idle, which really causes very little wear and tear on it. Peter
June 3, 201016 yr If the disk isn't assigned to any function then it should just spin down and stay idle, which really causes very little wear and tear on it. Peter Does unraid spin down disks that are not assigned? I didn't know that.
June 4, 201016 yr Leave it in the array but don't assign any user share to it and don't allow any program to access it via \\server\disk2 and it will stay spun down. You have to break parity during the removal and then do a clearing on the disk to re-insert it so it doesn't seem worthwhile to me unless you need the disk for another use. Peter
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.