I have a 2tb disk that I used as a Parity disk in my server. I replaced the 2tb disk with a 3tb disk and it is up and running in my array. I am expanding the size of my array and I would like to use the 2tb parity disk as a data disk.  Is the process the same as adding a data disk to the array or do I need to prepare the disk (former parity disk) before I add to the array?

 

Thanks in advance for your direction, always appreciated.

If you just add that old disk to the array, the drive will first be cleared (about the same time as it formally formerly took to do a parity check), then formatted and added to the array.  Basically, this is the same procedure as would happen with any new disk.  (I don't think preclearing an old parity test is really necessary UNLESS you have reason to suspect there is some problem with the disk.)  

Edited January 29, 20188 yr by Frank1940
Fixed wrong word! Really English is my first language!

5 minutes ago, Frank1940 said:

If you just add that old disk to the array, the drive will first be cleared (about the same time as it formally took to do a parity check), then formatted and added to the array.  Basically, this is the same procedure as would happen with any new disk.  (I don't think preclearing an old parity test is really necessary UNLESS you have reason to suspect there is some problem with the disk.)   

 

True.

 

There was a fairly easy way to throw the old parity disk into the array before you built the new 3T parity drive. But that train has already left the station. Best thing now is to throw it in and let it be cleared.

Thanks for direction