RAID 5 via mixed SATA and USB? (Only on a temporary basis, read on...)

    • New

    I'm planning a major upgrade of my storage, moving from a 3x8TB RAID 5 to a brandnew 5x12TB RAID 6 array.

    The idea is to connect all 8 disks, create the new RAID 6 array in OMV while the existing RAID 5 remains in use, and rsync all of my data to the new array. Then shut down all Docker containers, KVM guests, BorgBackup and other scheduled jobs, etc. and point all shared folders and such to the new RAID 6. (I would then run another rsync to capture any changes so as to ensure data integrity before re-starting any services).


    The problem is that my motherboard only has 6 SATA ports (though I actually could power all 8 drives from the PSU). So I'm considering connecting 2 of the 3 RAID 5 disks via an external USB 3.0 dual docking station, and leaving the third one connected internally. This would only be on a temporary basis until the RAID 6 is up and running, and I can remove the old disks completely.


    The question is if this would work OK. Would mdadm mount the RAID 5 array without problems if 1 disk is on SATA and 2 disks are on USB? Or should I expect issues? If so, would I have to use mdadm from the commandline to get it to assemble the array manually?

    • New

    I have never tried it, but I would suspect you may run into major issues with the RAID 5 due to the speed differences in the USB vs SATA connections. This could result in poor performance and possibly data inconsistencies and loss if you are trying to keep the RAID 5 alive in a R/W state while you prepare the RAID 6.


    Instead of using a USB enclosure, you would probably be a lot better off picking up a cheap SATA card to put in the system. A 2 port PCI-E card can be had for less than $10 on amazon, or less than $20 if you don't have a free PCI-E slot but do have a free M.2 slot.


    Here are the amazon links I just looked at to quote those prices:


    ELUTENG PCIE SATA Expansion Card 2 Port PCIE to SATA Card 6Gbps SATA 3.0 Controller PCI Express X1 Expansion Card with Low Profile Bracket for Desktop PC Support SSD HDD
    PCIe X1 to 2 SATA 3.0 ports controller card offers a simple connection between a host computer and SATA 3.0 devices(SATA hard drive or SATA device), which…
    www.amazon.com


    IO CREST M.2 22x42 PCIe Interface to 2 Port SATA III Expansion Card Jmicro JMB582 Chipset, Add Two SATA 3.0 Ports to Any M.2 M-Key Slot SI-MPE40150
    The IO Crest full height Minicar to SATA III 2 ports card ( SI-MPE40150 ) is the easiest way to update any computer with SATA ports with a free full size…
    www.amazon.com

    Asrock B450M, AMD 5600G, 64GB RAM, 6 x 4TB RAID 5 array, 2 x 10TB RAID 1 array, 100GB SSD for OS, 1TB SSD for docker and VMs, 1TB external SSD for fsarchiver OS and docker data daily backups

    Thanks 1
    • New
    Quote from cubemin

    Good idea. Just ordered one, SATA cables included. Thanks 🙂

    You're welcome. I've done the same thing before with adding an extra sata card. It's a much safer bet than a USB/SATA hybrid.


    My current setup uses a SATA card entirely for my main 6 drive array, 2 motherboard connections for a 2 drive mirroe and 2 more for the os ssd and a docker ssd. I use an external USB RAID enclosure that acts as an rsync backup for everything. My next storage upgrade will likely be replacing the 6 x 4TB drives main up that main array with larger ones once the price point is right. Unfortunately though, the price on larger drives seems to be staying up there right now. I'm currently at about 60% capacity, so I am not in dire need yet.

    Asrock B450M, AMD 5600G, 64GB RAM, 6 x 4TB RAID 5 array, 2 x 10TB RAID 1 array, 100GB SSD for OS, 1TB SSD for docker and VMs, 1TB external SSD for fsarchiver OS and docker data daily backups

    Like 1

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