How much real-world usable storage does 5x 18TB RAID 5 provide?
This NAS planning scenario estimates 64.80 TB usable after a 10% reserve from 90.00 TB raw.
Can this calculator replace real-world benchmark and rebuild testing?
No. Use this page for pre-purchase sizing, then validate with workload benchmarks, SMART health policy, and a tested restore plan.
Is RAID 5 still viable with 18TB drives?
It can be practical, but larger drives increase rebuild windows. Validate parity choice and backup policy before committing to the final layout.
Should I optimize this 5-drive plan for available space or resiliency first?
For long-lived NAS pools, resiliency first is usually safer. Capacity can be expanded later, while a risky parity choice can force migration sooner.