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Forum Discussion
Revitalizing ReadyNAS Pro 6
I’ve been running a ReadyNAS Pro 6 since early 2012, using an X-RAID2 array of 3TB hard drives that went from (I believe) 4 x 3TB now to 6 x 3TB.
I’ve had to replace a bunch of drives over the years, and the PSU a couple years back, but otherwise it’s still working fine, and even has its network interfaces trunked.
But, It’s no longer my primary NAS. That one I’m just finishing expanding from 8 x 8TB to 8 x 12TB, and as soon as the repair / expansion is finished, I plan on clearing off the old ReadyNAS and giving it some TLC.
I have a bunch of questions about this.
- I’m still running OS 4.2.31, which is so antiquated I need to use a virtual machine to even access the web interface. I know OS6 is “unofficially” supported, but are there any gotchas I should be aware of? Like, I remember there being an issue with the fans running at full speed after upgrading - was this ever addressed?
- Are there any size limits on the drives I can put into it?
- What’s the best RAID type to use on a new array? Don’t want to get stuck with the 8TB expansion limit that XRAID had.
- Assuming I’m just using it as a dumb file server, should I upgrade the RAM and CPU while I’m at it? It’s still just stock on both of those (actual -200 part number).
I’ve had to replace a bunch of drives over the years, and the PSU a couple years back, but otherwise it’s still working fine, and even has its network interfaces trunked.
But, It’s no longer my primary NAS. That one I’m just finishing expanding from 8 x 8TB to 8 x 12TB, and as soon as the repair / expansion is finished, I plan on clearing off the old ReadyNAS and giving it some TLC.
I have a bunch of questions about this.
- I’m still running OS 4.2.31, which is so antiquated I need to use a virtual machine to even access the web interface. I know OS6 is “unofficially” supported, but are there any gotchas I should be aware of? Like, I remember there being an issue with the fans running at full speed after upgrading - was this ever addressed?
- Are there any size limits on the drives I can put into it?
- What’s the best RAID type to use on a new array? Don’t want to get stuck with the 8TB expansion limit that XRAID had.
- Assuming I’m just using it as a dumb file server, should I upgrade the RAM and CPU while I’m at it? It’s still just stock on both of those (actual -200 part number).
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Sunfox1 wrote:
- I’m still running OS 4.2.31, which is so antiquated I need to use a virtual machine to even access the web interface. I know OS6 is “unofficially” supported, but are there any gotchas I should be aware of? Like, I remember there being an issue with the fans running at full speed after upgrading - was this ever addressed?There is an add-on that will add TLS 1.2 support to 4.2.x systems (from WhoCares_ ).
I haven't run into any gotchas with my Pro-6 (including the fan speed). I do recommend upgrading the RAM to at least 2 GB before you upgrade though. No reason I can see to upgrade the CPU if all you are using it for is a file server.
Sunfox1 wrote:
- Are there any size limits on the drives I can put into it?No known limit.
Sunfox1 wrote:
- What’s the best RAID type to use on a new array? Don’t want to get stuck with the 8TB expansion limit that XRAID had.
.XRAID is fine (and has no expansion limit with OS-6).
If it's really a Pro6 (part number ends with -200), then no need for a processor upgrade. If it's really a ProBE or Pro Pioneer (-100), then a processor upgrade will have benefits. But if it is a -100, make sure you update the BIOS before conversion. AFAIK, all Pro6 units have the latest, but you should check.
Thanks. It is a Pro 6 - BIOS shows as "07/26/2010 FLAME6-MB V2.0" and in boot_info it shows "model: ReadyNAS Pro 6"... and looking up the old bill of sale, part number is -200. Is v2.0 the most current BIOS?
I've ordered a 4gb kit (2x2gb) since I didn't want to get into the can of worms that is 4gb modules. I've already swapped the PSU a few years ago, but I might now consider a fan replacement with a Noctua or something - although from a quick look I understand the pinout would need to be adjusted?
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