Is RAID a backup strategy?
No. RAID improves availability and fault tolerance, but it does not protect against accidental deletion, ransomware, or site-level incidents. Keep external backups.
Cluster FAQ Page
NAS & RAID FAQ
Practical answers for storage planning decisions before procurement, migration, and long-term homelab operation.
When is RAID 6 or RAID-Z2 better than RAID 5?
As drive size and array width grow, rebuild windows become longer. Dual-parity modes reduce risk during rebuild and are usually safer for medium to large pools.
Why does reserve percentage matter in capacity planning?
Operating too close to full capacity harms performance and recovery behavior. Reserve headroom leaves room for metadata, snapshots, and rebuild operations.
How should I choose between RAID 10 and parity RAID?
RAID 10 usually offers better random I/O and rebuild behavior, while parity RAID often offers better usable capacity. Choose based on workload profile and resilience goals.
Can I mix drive sizes in one array?
You can, but effective capacity is usually constrained by the smallest drives in many layouts. Mixed-size strategies require careful platform-specific planning.
What should I validate before buying disks?
Validate usable TB target, fault tolerance requirement, growth plan, power budget, and replacement lead time. Then lock a RAID mode that still works after the next upgrade cycle.