How do you know what ReadyNAS version you have?

The RAIDiator version should be under the Info (far right) column in RAIDar.

You could try a firmware re-install (http://www.readynas.com/forum/faq.php#How_do_I_re-install_the_firmware%3F) which will reset the admin password.

You have one of the old Infrant models. Choose disks from the compatibility list for the NV, NV+ or Duo. What capacity disks are you after?

Thank you for your help. 8)

It seems I have an old X6 with four 250MB Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 drives (one spare still in the package). They have been running continuously (based on Google's white paper on drive farms and the fact that power supplies last longer when you don't shut them on and off) since Oct 2005, except for irregular stoppages (returning from Florida in 2006 and power outages). The only problem I have had (other than reaching 84% capacity and forgetting my password) is I had to replace the paddle fan this summer. It just keeps on keeping on. I keep it clean and have a whole house surge protector from Constellation on my meter ($10 mo. with $25,000 insurance), in addition to the local strip one. I have never lost a piece of electronic equipment due to lightening or anything else electrical. I now have an APC backup unit.

My RAIDiator is old (2.00c1-p9) due to losing my password and having no reason to intervene (if it ain't broke, don't fix it). However, the drives are over five years old and I need more space so it is time to pony up for upgrades (drives and RAIDiator).

Since my X6 is not listed on the capatibility listing, how do I find the best hard disks to upgrade to 1TB drives (they seem to be the best ROI/Reliability point right now)? I searched the forum but it is so piecemeal it is hard to find a good solution.

I will reset my firmware, hoping I can accomplish the one blink reset that doesn't wipe my data. Either way, I have a full backup, but that would cost me a day to rebuild. If I rebuild, I would prefer to have new drives, so any suggestions you have would be welcome.

Again, thank you for your assistance.

You have a Sparc ReadyNas. Choose disks from the compatibility lists I suggested in my post above. The firmware re-install will reset your admin password. You should then update the firmware. Lots of improvements and bug fixes since the firmware you are using including support for 1TB drives. Do you want consumer or enterprise disks?

Thanks for the Sparc insight - that was a bit confusing.

As to the new disks - I do not have any problems relative to speed with my current setup, so since the new disks will be faster by default, reliability is the paramount issue (I have gotten 5 years of trouble free service out the current set after all). So best price for the most reliable, speed being secondary, mostly non issue. What fits that?

wgmeisheid wrote:
Thanks for the Sparc insight - that was a bit confusing.

The early ReadyNAS models (all Infrant models) used an Infrant Sparc processor. The latest models use Intel processors (i.e. NVX, Ultra, Pro, 2100, 3200, 3100 and 4200). Two Sparc models (Duo, NV+) are still being sold new (there may also be a few 1100 around but these are no longer in production). Due to the large differences between the x86 (Intel) platform and Sparc platform, the OS had to be rewritten from the ground up for x86. As the X6 was never sold by NetGear and it's a very old model there is no HCL for the X6, so best to look at the lists for models on the same platform (i.e. NV, NV+, Duo and 1100) for an indication of what should work.

wgmeisheid wrote:
As to the new disks - I do not have any problems relative to speed with my current setup, so since the new disks will be faster by default, reliability is the paramount issue (I have gotten 5 years of trouble free service out the current set after all). So best price for the most reliable, speed being secondary, mostly non issue. What fits that?

Enterprise disks are most reliable. These tend to have 5 year warranties and rotational vibration safeguard. They do tend to be considerably more expensive than desktop class drives though. Perhaps have a look on the internet for reviews of a drive model you are interested in.

Here's what I'd suggest you do:

1. Ensure your backup is up to date.
2. Verify backup is good.
3. Update to latest RAIDiator (currently 4.1.7: http://www.readynas.com/RAIDiator_4_1_7_Notes)
4. Do a System > Config Backup
5. Power down
6. Remove all disks, label order (this way you can go back to old set of disks if something goes majorly wrong).
7. Insert new disks
8. Power on, perhaps doing a factory default: http://www.readynas.com/forum/faq.php#How_do_I_reset_the_ReadyNAS_to_factory_default%3F
9. Restore Config Backup
10. Restore data from backup

Thanks for all your help.

After researching, I think I will go with the HITACHI Deskstar E7K1000 HDE721010SLA330. It appears to rock solid and the new set should outlast the X6, or at least the power supply. I especially like the fact pointed out in a review by a user who has several hundred in use for three years that they work well in his servers with the power down idle occuring 100's of times a day. That will up my efficiency.

I will let you know how successful I am on my adventure. I am going to order the disks right now.

It's been a year and I never replaced the disks (an economic issue intervened) - still running like a champ though and still want to upgrade the disks (they are over 6 years old afterall). Thanks again for your help.

You're welcome. Hard disk prices are a bit high at the moment due to the Thailand floods but hopefully prices will return to normal within about 6 months or so.