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Forum Discussion
Best File System for a USB Share
Hello,
I have a ReadyNAS Ultra 4 using RAID Level X-RAID2, 4 disks (3TB each) meaning that I have around 8 TB capacity only for files. I'm running out of space at this moment so I just bought a USB Seagate Expansion 3TB to use as additional space. My question is:
What will be the best file system to use on that external USB expansion disk? NTFS or Ext3? I usually move files from my Windows environment into the ReadyNAS so I can use it inside my network specially in my HTPC and I'm planning to the same with this external drive (move files from Windows and then use it in my HTPC).
I read somewhere that Ext3 will be a little bit faster but worth? I mean, if I use NTFS I can always disconnect from the ReadyNAS and plug it in my Desktop but if NTFS is much slower I will chose Ext3.
Thanks in advance for any tips
Johnny
I have a ReadyNAS Ultra 4 using RAID Level X-RAID2, 4 disks (3TB each) meaning that I have around 8 TB capacity only for files. I'm running out of space at this moment so I just bought a USB Seagate Expansion 3TB to use as additional space. My question is:
What will be the best file system to use on that external USB expansion disk? NTFS or Ext3? I usually move files from my Windows environment into the ReadyNAS so I can use it inside my network specially in my HTPC and I'm planning to the same with this external drive (move files from Windows and then use it in my HTPC).
I read somewhere that Ext3 will be a little bit faster but worth? I mean, if I use NTFS I can always disconnect from the ReadyNAS and plug it in my Desktop but if NTFS is much slower I will chose Ext3.
Thanks in advance for any tips
Johnny
7 Replies
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- Hello Johnny,
If you plan to unplug frquently, NTFS would be better for you. But, Ext3 is better and faster file system than NTFS for backup jobs and other many things. If you really wants to extend your readynas volume, better keep Ext3 file system. - That's what I want to hear :-)
I will eventually unplug it to lend it to a friend or family member although I'm pretty sure this will not happen often (maybe one every six months). That said I will stay with Ext3.
Last question: The Frontview option to make USB faster is secure? I know that will eliminate the Hot Plug but I will make sure to disconnect the drive first before unplug it
Thanks again - Hello Johnny,
Oh, you mean "System>Performance>Enable Fast USB drive" option. Yes, it is secure. Actually,it is designed to handle high throughput data traffic.
But, please do not remove your usb without properly unmounting it. - You should avoid disconnecting it without ejecting first. Even NTFS will get corrupted if you do that enough, and probably quicker than EXT3 would at that.
If you hold down the backup button for 5 seconds, it will perform a USB eject, then you can safely remove it. That way you don't need to go into FrontView to do it.
The Enable Fast USB Writes turns on write caching. Speed will be faster, but disconnects without ejecting will cause even more data loss/corruption with that option enabled. - Thanks all for the replies. I got what I need from you. really appreciate :-)
Cheers - Were you able to get a 3TB USB hard drive working on your ReadyNAS Ultra?
- Actually I currently have 2 USB drives attached to my ReadyNAS Ultra and both working just fine.
Seagate Expansion 3 TB USB 3.0 Desktop External Hard Drive STBV3000100 used as extension and therefore formatted as EXT3 per the community recommendation.
and
FreeAgent GoFlex Desk 4 TB USB 3.0 External Hard Drive STAC4000100 formatted as NTFS and used as a Backup.
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