I know, that external 2,5" USB HDD - worst storage for 24/7 running node, but at the moment on one node i only have this option to go. I would like to buy something like WD RED 2,5" 4TB and put it in to proper enclosure, but they have only 1TB as 2,5". But for the WD Passport 2.5" they have 5TB dri…

2.5" is limited in capacity for obvious reasons. This 5TB drive seems to be an SMR drive, stay away from those if possible. If you need USB interface I suggest you get a good 3.5" drive and attach the interface converter to that. Regarding experience I have had bad experiences with Seagates, everyt…

IMHO All external usb HDD (mostly 2.5’’) above 3Tb - SMR. So, no matter what kind of external usb HDD to buy. Disable write cache and move database to another, non storj usable, disk.

[image] node1: WD Passport 2.5" they have 5TB [image] WD My Passport 5TB DAS Review: Compact and Consistent Capacity Champ Gets SMR... Please, read this article: [image] PSA: Beware of HDD manufacturers submarining SMR technology in HDD's…

Thank you. I’ve read a lot about SMR problems. Looks like i will change the plan. Will upgrade better another NODE with external CMR HDD.

@BrightSilence will move our conversation here. Do you use them in RAID/NAS? If no, why did not went for Seagate SkyHawk? They a bit cheaper, but also designed for 24/7. I believe one NODE will not make such a huge load on drive in compare to the business with ±50 users using drive it in the NAS. …

Yes, I use them in an SHR2 array. I bought the Exos because they were actually cheaper than Ironwolf and for some reason Synology lists the Ironwolf Pro 16TB as not compatible. Skyhawk is barely cheaper and not optimal for use in an array, so I didn’t consider it.

For array not optimal i agree. But for usb enclosure & RPi probably will be the best option.

[image] Storgeez: And may I ask, why is USB the only option for you? USB actually may not be bad in itself, it’s just that the drives that come in USB enclosures are usually the lowest quality from that manufacturer. A. For this particular node the only option, because it’s RPi. B. Enclosure…

Then get a good interface adapter, there shouldn’t be anything inherently bad with that, and there is no way to exceed the bandwidth specs anyway. The adapter dying is much better than a drive dying, they rarely take out the data, if the drive dies (completely) it takes out the data by definition. …

I’m on the way of receive a WD_Black p10 5Tb external drive. It is supposed to be an “intensive use” drive - sold as a gamer drive for consoles and PCs, but good price per Gb in an AWS offer a few days ago. As far as I have read, a 2.5" 5Tb disk is SMR for sure, but I cannot find it listed anywhere…