So with Unraid 6.9.0 multi-pool functionality, I'm planning to create 2 SATA RAID pools, 1 with 3x SSD and 1 with 4x SSD.

These pools will form the core of my NAS storage needs (i.e. not using the array anymore).

 

That leaves a single free SATA port with a few potential candidates.

• A Bluray drive
• A 10TB HDD
• An old 128GB SSD

Moreover, Unraid requires at least 1 disk in the array (kinda archaic given 6.9.0 but that's a different story for a different time) so that sort of complicates things a little.

 

What do you think I should do?

1. Use the old 128GB SSD in disk 1 via the last SATA port. This means I would be optical-less and spinner-less. My main concern is that I would suddenly need to use the Bluray for some unknown future reasons (aka "don't know what you got till it's gone").
2. Use the 10TB HDD in disk 1 (which it is currently). This means no optical (so same DKWYGTIG concern) but not spinner-less. This is sort of a "if it aint broken, don't fix it" option but the least favourite in my mind as (a) I'm keen on going fully solid state and (b) I won't be using the array so the HDD is redundant.
3. Keep the optical drive on SATA + use a SATA-USB adapter for the old 128GB SSD. This seems to be the most flexible option but I have reservation over using USB in the array but then I won't even be using the array so maybe that's fine?
4. Keep the optical drive on SATA + use a spare USB stick as disk 1. Same reservation over using USB in the array.

 

 

It really depend on whether or not you are using the optical drive right now.

If the answer is never ... why bother ?

The answer for my usecase would be :

- the 128GB on 8th port for occasional use 

- cheap usb drive in the array (if you never use it anyway ...)