ZFS ZFS RAID-Z2 vdev on external USB HDD drives

J

jb82

Hey,
I have some cold data and bunch of old 3.5" HDDs. If I connect all of them to a laptop via SATA/USB reductions plugged into a shared USB hub (all with proper voltages) and create a RAID-Z2 vdev out of them, would that work? I consider this only for cold seldom accessed data, so even the USB hub won't be connected too often.

I can't see anything preventing this, but asking for suggestions and your experiences...
 
I still see problems with USB reliability, especially the ports. I also think it will be annoying always having to connect 3+ drives for every piece of data to retrieve.

But yes, it will work.
 
I used to use a Startech USB to SATA adapters to connect external SATA drives for backups. I used those same USB to SATA adapters to provide the temporary storage to completely re-lay my tank. However, I switched to using a hot-swap SATA bay for spare disks when I got a new case.

I see that you understand that power supply is an issue -- and it certainly is. I had no problems, and Startech is a good brand, but you must pay attention to the power supply specifications for the disks (including start-up).

I used to fasten connectors with double-sided velcro strips, but still had to exercise great care to avoid physical disturbance.

I concur with cracauer@ that reliability would be a serious concern for long term use. There's just too many exposed power and data cables with tenuous connectors.
 
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