Mixing discs

What model ReadyNAS do you have?

zmalex, I have cross referenced the drive you are interested in, and found it is compatible with some of our units. I would recommend you review this link, and specify which model you have to ensure that drive is compatible with the model of ReadyNAS you own: http://www.readynas.com/?page_id=82

Looking back at your earlier posts it appears you started out with a Duo v1 which only supports disks up to 2TB in capacity. Is that what you are still using?

I need to write this in my footer.

I own a Ultra 4 Plus nowadays.

The disc seems to be supported. Hitachi Deskstar 5K3000 HDS5C3030ALA630 3 TB 6Gb/s 32 MB No 3 Must be used with 4.2.16 or newer firmware.

How about mixing discs then? I already have two of the Hitachi Deskstar 7K3000 HDS723030ALA640 installed. Will that pose any problem?

Make sure you update to 4.2.16 or later before adding them. It'll be fine.

zmalex - just update your profile and the NAS model will show up in the right hand panel under your name and stats. I don't know about others, but that is the first place I look unless a member lists the model in the text.

I have 4 of the HDS5C3030ALA630 drives (2 ea in 2 NVX units) in service along with 2 1TB Seagate 7200RPM drives in each of the NVX units. While I think most of us have generally prefer all matching drives and start out that way, I as well as many others have had to mix brands and models of drives over the years with no adverse effects. Currently not only do I have a mix of brands and models, but speeds as the HDS5C3030ALA630 drives are 5400 RPM drives.

With the use of the slower drives, you may find a slightly slower file transfer rate, but in all likely hood would be hard pressed to notice it. Mine will be a year old in June, and have given me absolutely no regrets on acquiring them. The spare is still in it's original sealed anti-static bag. I would describe them as one very sweet drive. All of my previous drives in my NAS units (with one exception) have been Seagates. These are my first Hitachis, and will not be my last.

There are some published articles suggesting that mismatched drives might actually make the raid array more reliable, since they might age differently (and are perhaps less likely to fail at the same time).