Hello there, due some power loss, my QNAP TS673A nas have detected a drive with errors.
I’m now trying the repair function, but in case it doesn’t solve the issue, i would need to replace the drive.
I have just a couple of questions:
-
I have installed 6x6TB WD red drive, unfortunately the old 5400rpm SMR (the worst of the worst). Do i have to replace the faulty drive with the exact same drive type, or can i for example install the new WD rep Pro 7200rpm CMR drive? Or even a different brand, like the Seagate ironwolf?
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It would be possible to replace all the drive with a new type, one by one, like they was “faulty”?
Or i can replace a drive only and only when it really have problems?
Thx to everyone!
You can replace your drives with NAS rated models of same or larger size
But
- Make sure you have a full and current backup
- Make sure to get a UPS
Thx! I have an UPS, but the nas with the faulty drive IS the only archive nas i have, i don’t have the resources for another nas that is the backup for the archive, too costly especially now…
But since it’s a two disk failure raid 6 setup, swapping one drive should not compromise the entire volume, no?
If you have a UPS, how did the powerloss happen?
If the NAS fails and you can recreate all data from source, then the NAS is an archive/backup, if not, the NAS is NOT a backup…heavy lesson to learn for many (even a single backup drive would save your bacon)
Rebuild is always a risky time for the array and SMR drives are even worse (though mostly as write targets and not as read as in your case)
YOu can use this process to replace the drives with the same size, or larger, or a different type etc. The only requirement is that the drive mapping ends up providing at a minimum space or equal or larger capacity.
However, you should NEVER attempt any sort of drive activity like this without a backup. The rebuild process will stress all drives to the highest potential. This will often trigger any “marginal” issue to become a worst case scenario. If 1 or more drive throws errors at the same time you could lose all your data. This stress has to be repeated for every drive you replace.
Only you can decide the importance of your data. You have to decide what it is worth to you and what risk you want to assume.
If this is the only data source (as dolbyman points out), then you have no backup. If you have a NAS failure, multiple drive failures, theft, delete files by accident, etc then the data is gone. RAID is not a backup and should NEVER replace a backup strategy.
If you have your data somewhere else (primary source) and the NAS is indeed a backup, rather than replacing the drives 1 at a time, you should consider starting from scratch and installing all the new drives and properly configuring them, thne running your backup routine to populate the data.
unfortunately i had multiple power loss in my area due weather damage, while i was away, and the UPS battery run dry, multiple times.
thx, i think i will just replace the faulty drive then, i don’t want to risk too much in replacing all of them one by one.
Unfortunately i can’t afford right now also a backup more then the nas, which was already quite expensive for my resources.
And even worse in this very moment of time, where disk cost double of a couple of years ago.
You still did not disclose if you grasp the concept of a backup, is the NAS one or not?
No, is not a backup, it’s an archive of data. I don’t have the data stored there in any other place.
I’m think of buying a big fat external HDD just to backup there the data of the nas, and then replace the faulty disk of the nas, just to be sure.
But also my wallet will run dry, lol.
Even that single drive backup would give you some safety in case your NAS dies, you (or anything else) deletes the data by accident (or purpose).
So yes, even though it’s financially painful, do a backup, so many people wish they had
you may be right, thx for the tips!