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jlazkano's avatar
jlazkano
Aspirant
May 03, 2019

Change RAID 1 disk

Hello,

I have a RN104 NAS with a RAID 1 in A and B bay. Both disk have different RPM, so I want to change one of them to have best performans.

How is the best way to replace the disk? Need I power off the NAS?

I have important data in the RAID, so I want to be sure to not broke nothing.

Kind regards.

1 Reply

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  • StephenB's avatar
    StephenB
    Guru - Experienced User

    jlazkano wrote:
    I have a RN104 NAS with a RAID 1 in A and B bay. Both disk have different RPM, so I want to change one of them to have best performans.


    It probably won't matter much, as the large-file transfer speed of your NAS is limited by the CPU and memory (only 512 MB).  Small file speeds and folder browsing might pick up some, but you'd get the most gain for those cases by using SSDs (either a separate volume or using ReadyTier)

     


    jlazkano wrote:

    How is the best way to replace the disk? Need I power off the NAS?

    It's a good idea to test the new disk first in a Windows PC.  Use Seatools for Seagate; Lifeguard for Western Digital.  I like to run both the extended test (non-destructive) and the full write test (which is destructive).  I've had drives which pass one and fail the other.  Don't format the drive in the PC.

     

    Then you can just remove the disk in the NAS, put the new one in the tray, and hot-insert it into the NAS.  No need to power it down.

     

    Though you didn't ask - I don't recommend desktop drives for NAS systems.  I suggest getting a NAS-purposed or enterprise class drive.  Some Seagate Ironwolf drives are 7200 rpm; all Ironwolf Pro and WDC Red Pro drives are 7200 rpm.

     

    Though personally I use WDC Reds (5400 rpm).

     


    jlazkano wrote:

    I have important data in the RAID, so I want to be sure to not broke nothing.


    That suggests that you have no backup.  RAID isn't enough to keep your data safe - the best way to do that is to have a copy on other devices.  I suggest purchasing a backup USB drive along with your new disk.  Back up your NAS before you install the new drive.

     

    BTW, many USB drives use SMR technology, which is cost-effective for archival but has slow write speeds.  You'll get faster backup speeds if you avoid those drives.  WD's Easystore drives aren't SMR - many Seagate drives are.

     

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