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Upgrading ReadyNAS Pioneer Pro
Hello all, I have an older ReadyNAS Pioneer Pro (RNDP600E ?) running the older Radiator 4.2.x... I'm in the process of upgrading both hardware and software, I know this is all unsupported. - I ju...
The steps are
(Optionally) make sure the latest BIOS is installed before you do the conversion. To do this you install http://www.readynas.com/download/addons/x86/4.2/BIOS_Update_Package_0.5-x86.bin as an add-on and reboot the NAS. Do this after you backup the NAS. This isn't necessary, but if you so want to update the bios it is easiest to do it prior to conversion (and you should do it before you upgrade the processor).
There is some information on RAM upgrades here: https://community.netgear.com/t5/New-ReadyNAS-Users-General/Memory-upgrade-for-ReadyNAS-Pro-6/m-p/1072954#M20197 Though 4GB modules are expensive. If you already have 4 GB, then I suggest leaving it as it is.
Basic instructions for the conversion itself are
- BACKUP, BACKUP, BACKUP
- Upload PREPR4TOR6_0.1-x86.bin as an add-on using the ReadyNAS web gui, but do not reboot afterwards (avoids the need to do manual factory resets)
- Upload R4toR6_6.9.5.bin using the ReadyNAS web gui firmware update
- After you upload the addon+firmware and reboot, it will update the firmware and start a factory default.
- Go through the setup process on the converted NAS
- Update the NAS to the current OS 6 (check for updates will work).
- Restore files from the backup.
Netgear won't provide paid support on a converted NAS (or one with a processor upgrade), so that is one consideration. There is a small risk that the process could fail, and if that were to happen it might not be possible to get the NAS running again.
The steps are
(Optionally) make sure the latest BIOS is installed before you do the conversion. To do this you install http://www.readynas.com/download/addons/x86/4.2/BIOS_Update_Package_0.5-x86.bin as an add-on and reboot the NAS. Do this after you backup the NAS. This isn't necessary, but if you so want to update the bios it is easiest to do it prior to conversion (and you should do it before you upgrade the processor).
There is some information on RAM upgrades here: https://community.netgear.com/t5/New-ReadyNAS-Users-General/Memory-upgrade-for-ReadyNAS-Pro-6/m-p/1072954#M20197 Though 4GB modules are expensive. If you already have 4 GB, then I suggest leaving it as it is.
Basic instructions for the conversion itself are
- BACKUP, BACKUP, BACKUP
- Upload PREPR4TOR6_0.1-x86.bin as an add-on using the ReadyNAS web gui, but do not reboot afterwards (avoids the need to do manual factory resets)
- Upload R4toR6_6.9.5.bin using the ReadyNAS web gui firmware update
- After you upload the addon+firmware and reboot, it will update the firmware and start a factory default.
- Go through the setup process on the converted NAS
- Update the NAS to the current OS 6 (check for updates will work).
- Restore files from the backup.
Netgear won't provide paid support on a converted NAS (or one with a processor upgrade), so that is one consideration. There is a small risk that the process could fail, and if that were to happen it might not be possible to get the NAS running again.
StephenB Thanks so much for the clear explanation, recommendations and links! Really excellent.
I'm moving this week but will hopefully get around to this during the weekend. I'll swing back and post how things went so others benefit.
Again, many thanks!
The max memory is 8GB, which requires two 4GB 2Rx8 (aka "low density") DIMMs. Since OSes for consumer systems of the day were 32-bit and limited to 4GB of RAM, they are not available at the low price you can find 2GB sticks. Unless you plan to do some really heavy duty transcoding or something, you are unlikely to see much improvement going from 4GB to 8GB.
FYI, though your new processor is capable of running at a higher FSB speed, the motherboard is limited to 800MHz. Still, you'll notice quite a boost with the E7600 over the original Pentium.
Sandshark Thanks for the great info. I just opened up the box this morning and I did upgrade to 4GB sometime in the past. I did manage to source 8GB (4GB x 2) sticks that are compatible, but it's around $90 USD. So I'm on the fence about getting them.
On another note, I'm considering just upgrading the 2TB x6 drives I have installed since I'm doing a hardware refresh anyway. I got one of the Seagate Exos 16TB drives for a new tower I built, and I'm toying with the idea of just getting 6 of them to swap out the NAS drives. If I run RAID 5 it would be about 80TB of usable space (96TB raw).
https://www.newegg.com/seagate-exos-x16-st16000nm001g-16tb/p/1Z4-002P-015K6?Item=1Z4-002P-015K6
Has anyone tried these or drives at this size? Curious if it's compatible.
Many thanks!
We've seen some reports of DoA Exos drives (which the users initially thought were compatibility issues), but I've not seen any reports of actual compatibility problems. It does make me wonder if they are a bit more sensitive to shipping damage. There are no hardware or software limits that should come into play. Do keep in mind that the Pro is only SATA2, so they won't be any faster than your old drives. With that much space, make sure your backup is solid, and perhaps consider RAID6 (though you still need backup).
I don't recall if the Exos have the re-designated spin-down pin that needs to be taped over in some systems, but that is not an issue on the Pro (or any ReadyNAS I know of). That pin has no connection.
I do not recommend you start out by filling your NAS with drives unless you really need the space now. The NAS runs cooler without all of them. Since they are all put in service at the same time, they all accrue on time and may fail at similar times. They will likely be from the same lot, so DoA or infant mortality issues could be more likely in others if present in one. And lastly, the price will probably drop over time. So take advantage of XRAID expandability and only install what you need for your expected needs in the next couple years at most.
A plus you may not have considered in upgrading your Pro to OS6 is that when it does finally die or you decide you finally need something faster, you can just move the drives to a native OS6 NAS. You're now doing the backup and restore necessary to migrate from OS4.2.x to OS6 at a time of your own choosing, not being forced because of hardware failure. And that won't be one of your considerations in upgrading.
Most of my NAS were upgraded and converted ProBE/Pro6 models till I moved to converted rack mount units. I don't think you'll be disappointed that your expenditure didn't get you as far as you desire.
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