I'm currently testing a migration from VMware to Proxmox and we're contemplating disabling our hardware RAID card to switch to ZFS. There seems to be a widespread consensus among sources I trust that ZFS is ideal for server environments, as long as you're not using ESXi. The only downsides I've heard are a slight increase in CPU and RAM usage, which isn't a huge concern for me. I'm looking for more perspectives - do you all think ZFS really lives up to the hype?
5 Answers
ZFS is amazing if you have sufficient CPU and RAM. ZFS mirrors are quick, but RAIDZ setups can be slower depending on how you configure them. Moreover, issues with deduplication can be resource-intensive, but recent updates have streamlined this process. Overall, ZFS is built around data integrity which is a huge plus for critical storage.
I'd argue it also depends on your setup. A well-optimized system with ZFS can be quicker than traditional RAID solutions.
I've been using Proxmox with ZFS in a datacenter for years, and I have no complaints. It's been reliable and efficient for my setup.
One thing to consider is that ZFS can struggle with performance, especially on SSD/NVMe drives; it was mainly designed for traditional spinning disks. You might need to tune settings like recordsize and compression to get optimal performance. Transitioning to ZFS means you'll need to be patient with troubleshooting performance issues that arise.
Totally agree. However, keep in mind that ZFS with a high number of disks can lead to some unpredictable performance.
They've made significant improvements in recent ZFS releases, and it performs a lot better on SSDs compared to older versions. Still, it’s good to be cautious and do your performance tuning.
Absolutely! Modern ZFS versions handle SSDs much better, but it’s wise to consider hybrid setups like BTRFS caching in front of traditional drives for the best speeds.
It's true that predicting performance can be challenging with ZFS, especially for VM storage, but it's excellent for NAS applications where data longevity and integrity are priorities.
If you're new to it, ZFS has a lot of great tools and features that I find really pleasurable to use. It's worth the learning curve!
You're right to consider ZFS, but turning off a working RAID card may not be necessary. If performance is paramount, you might want to keep the RAID for those critical workloads. ZFS is robust for backups and maintaining data integrity, though you'll need to invest time in tuning it. Don't forget, proper backups are key regardless of the file system you choose.
It's great that you're considering ZFS, just remember it can be complex. Make sure to read up on real-world setups and tuning to avoid pitfalls.
Yeah, I'm new to all this too, so I’m all ears about ensuring I set everything up right! Really appreciate the advice from everyone!
While ZFS is excellent for certain use cases, it isn’t a universal solution for all situations. It’s particularly useful for archival systems or environments that need a robust filesystem with many features. Always evaluate your specific needs and how ZFS aligns with them before opting out of an existing RAID setup.
Totally. Each system has its pros and cons. ZFS shines with larger, slower storage media but may not always be ideal for high-performance scenarios.
That's good advice! Understanding what ZFS excels at can help you make the right decisions for your setup.
You're right about needing enough resources for ZFS. I’ve noticed that it’s not the best for lightweight setups where speed is crucial.