I'm looking for some advice on configuring storage for our server setup. We're using a Dell PowerVault MD2412 connected to an R660xs server with a PERC H965e controller. Our workflow involves processing data on a local NVMe drive before transferring it to this storage array for public downloads, so most operations will be reads. We're planning to implement RAID 6 but am torn between two options for the drives: 12TB or 24TB SAS HDDs. The enclosure has 12 slots, and while I'd love to opt for 24TB drives to maximize space and save slots, we're starting with at least 4 drives and adding more later. I've heard that larger drives can mean longer rebuild times which could increase the risk of data loss during the rebuild process. Additionally, a Dell rep suggested the 12TB drives might provide better I/O performance for my needs. Any advice on which option would be safer or better suited for my workload?
3 Answers
It’s often said that you should be cautious with RAID setups on larger drives. RAID can be beneficial, but remember that larger drives like the 24TB ones can complicate things with longer rebuilds and increased failure points. Just something to consider while making your decision!
Keep in mind that every time you add a new drive, you're looking at a rebuild which will involve extensive reads and writes. If you're using 24TB drives, the rebuild times can be quite lengthy, which may heighten the risk of data loss since you're doing a lot of I/O during that period. Using 12TB drives would reduce those rebuild times but means you'll have more drives overall, which could lead to an increase in the chances of simultaneous failures. Ideally, I wouldn’t want to do live rebuilds on critical data unless your storage can handle offline setups to ease the pain.
You should assess your data growth rate. If you anticipate needing at least 120TB in the next five years, make sure to choose accordingly. With the 12TB drives, you'll have an enhanced read speed due to data being spread across more drives, which can be key for your download efficiency. Additionally, check if your RAID controller supports swapping out the 12TB drives with 24TB ones one at a time, as this allows for gradual upgrades without shutting everything down.
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