DSM 7.2 Need advice on strategies for Expanding RAID Arrays

[ASap]

Hello everyone,

I’m exploring the best approach for setting up and expanding RAID arrays on my Synology NAS running DSM 7.2. Initially, I set up two disks in RAID1 and then converted this to RAID6. I’m now contemplating future expansions and considering whether I should start with RAID5 instead of RAID6 for easier scalability.

My main question is: If I start with RAID5, can I easily expand by adding just one disk at a time before eventually transitioning to RAID6 when needed? I’m looking for a strategy that allows flexibility in expansion without requiring pairs of disks each time.

Could anyone share insights or experiences regarding the transition from RAID5 to RAID6 and the ease of subsequent expansions? Your advice will help me plan better for future storage needs.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Rusty]

RAID transformation from one type to another usually requires a minimum number of drives. Considering you haven't mentioned how many drives there are but you are on RAID6, I will guess you have at least 4 as a minimum.

transition from RAID5 to RAID6 and the ease of subsequent expansions?

Going from R5 to R6 means a minimum of 3 drives to a 4-drive setup. Apart from adding drives (depending on how large a volume you want) and starting the wizard that will expand, there is not much more to it.

When you say "subsequent expansions", what exactly do you mean by that and how big of a volume/pool are you aiming for?

 

[Birdy]

Change the RAID Type of a Storage Pool

 

[ASap]

Thanks for the insights guys, when I mentioned RAID configurations before, that's the minimum disk requirement for that RAID configuration.