ChatGPT about TrueNAS

Davvo

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Q: What is TrueNAS?
Answer:
TrueNAS is an open-source storage platform based on the popular FreeNAS system, providing a centralized management interface for storing, sharing, and protecting data. It provides a web-based interface to manage storage, snapshots, and replication, and supports multiple protocols, such as NFS, SMB, iSCSI, and more. TrueNAS supports a variety of hardware platforms and is designed for both home and enterprise use.

Q: Is TrueNAS based on ZFS?
Answer:
Yes, TrueNAS is based on the ZFS file system, which provides advanced data management and protection features, such as snapshots, replication, data compression, and more. ZFS is known for its robust data protection, high performance, and scalability, making it a popular choice for storage solutions. By using ZFS as its underlying file system, TrueNAS provides a powerful and reliable storage platform for organizations of all sizes.

Q: Is it advisable to run TrueNAS for home use? If so, on which hardware?
Answer:
Yes, TrueNAS can be used for home use. The hardware requirements depend on the size of your data storage needs and the number of users accessing the data. For home use, you can start with a small, budget-friendly system, such as a PC with a moderate amount of RAM and storage.
Here are some recommended hardware specifications for a home TrueNAS setup:
  • CPU: Intel Pentium or higher
  • RAM: 8GB or more
  • Storage: A minimum of 2 hard drives or solid-state drives (SSDs) for data and backup
  • Network interface card (NIC): Gigabit Ethernet or faster
It's important to note that as your storage needs grow, you may need to upgrade your hardware. ZFS is known to be memory-intensive, so it's advisable to have enough RAM to handle your storage needs. You can also opt for more powerful hardware, such as enterprise-grade storage servers, for larger storage setups.

Q: So TrueNAS can run on any reasonably modern hardware? Is that suggested or are there any suggestions that one should know before building it?
Answer:
TrueNAS can run on most reasonably modern hardware, but there are some hardware requirements that should be considered for a stable and efficient TrueNAS setup. Here are some suggestions to keep in mind before building TrueNAS:
  1. CPU: TrueNAS requires a 64-bit CPU with support for hardware virtualization. A modern CPU with multiple cores will provide better performance.
  2. RAM: TrueNAS is memory-intensive, so it's important to have enough RAM to handle your storage needs. A minimum of 8GB of RAM is recommended for most home setups, but more is better.
  3. Storage: TrueNAS requires at least two storage devices: one for data storage and another for backup. The size of the storage devices will depend on your data storage needs. It's recommended to use enterprise-grade storage devices for critical data.
  4. Network: TrueNAS requires a Gigabit Ethernet or faster network interface card (NIC) to ensure fast data transfer rates.
  5. BIOS: Make sure your hardware has the latest BIOS and firmware updates, as older versions may not support modern hardware features needed by TrueNAS.
It's also advisable to check the TrueNAS compatibility list before building a TrueNAS system to ensure that your hardware is supported. This will help ensure a stable and efficient setup and prevent compatibility issues.


Q: Can I use a Realtek NIC?
Answer:
Yes, you can use a Realtek NIC with TrueNAS. However, it's important to check the compatibility list to make sure that your specific model of Realtek NIC is supported by TrueNAS. Some Realtek NICs have known compatibility issues, so it's important to use a supported model to ensure a stable and efficient setup. If you're unsure if your Realtek NIC is compatible with TrueNAS, you can contact the TrueNAS community for assistance.


Q: How reliable is the TrueNAS community?
Answer:
The TrueNAS community is generally considered to be a reliable resource for support and information about TrueNAS. The community is made up of experienced users, developers, and storage experts who are knowledgeable about TrueNAS and can provide support and guidance on various topics, such as hardware compatibility, setup, and configuration.
The TrueNAS community is active and engaged, with many members participating in forums, mailing lists, and social media. There are also many resources available, including documentation, guides, and tutorials, to help users get started with TrueNAS and make the most of its features.
In general, the TrueNAS community is a valuable resource for anyone using or considering using TrueNAS, and can provide a high level of support and expertise. However, as with any community-driven resource, the quality and reliability of support can vary, so it's always best to do your own research and seek advice from multiple sources when troubleshooting an issue.

Q: Can you point me to a few resources usefult to start understanding about TrueNAS and ZFS?
Answer:
Sure! Here are a few resources that can help you get started with understanding TrueNAS and ZFS:
  1. TrueNAS Documentation: The official TrueNAS documentation is a comprehensive resource that covers all aspects of the platform, from installation to advanced configuration. You can find the documentation at https://www.truenas.com/docs/.
  2. ZFS Man Pages: The ZFS man pages are a complete reference for the ZFS file system, including its features, commands, and usage. You can find the man pages at https://manpages.freebsd.org/man8/zfs.8.html.
  3. ZFS on Linux Documentation: ZFS on Linux is an open-source implementation of ZFS, and its documentation provides a good introduction to the features and benefits of ZFS. You can find the documentation at https://zfsonlinux.org/manpages/0.8.4/index.html.
  4. TrueNAS Community: The TrueNAS community is a great resource for getting help and support from other users, as well as finding tutorials, guides, and other resources. You can find the community at https://www.truenas.com/community/.
  5. ZFS Basics: This video by IT guy video provides a good introduction to the basics of ZFS, including its features, benefits, and usage. You can find the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l67KAwjB6lM.
These resources should give you a solid foundation for understanding TrueNAS and ZFS, and help you get started with using these technologies effectively.

Q: I read the ECC RAM is suggested, is it safe to run ZFS without it?
Answer:
ECC (Error Correction Code) RAM is highly recommended for ZFS systems, as ZFS relies on the integrity of data stored in memory. ECC RAM helps to detect and correct memory errors that can cause data corruption and other issues, making it a critical component for maintaining the reliability of ZFS systems.
While it's possible to run ZFS without ECC RAM, it's not recommended, as it increases the risk of data corruption and other issues. For example, a single-bit memory error can cause data corruption that is not detectable by ZFS, leading to silent data loss.
If you're running ZFS in a production environment, or if you have critical data that you cannot afford to lose, it's highly recommended to use ECC RAM. This will help ensure the reliability and integrity of your data and minimize the risk of data loss or corruption.

Q: Are you sure 8GB is the required minimum of RAM? I read it was increased to 16GB.
Answer:
My apologies, I was mistaken. The recommended minimum amount of RAM for TrueNAS is now 16GB, and it's suggested to have at least 32GB or more, depending on the size of the storage pool and the workload demands. This change was made due to the increased memory demands of recent TrueNAS releases and the growing size of storage pools.
Running TrueNAS with less than 16GB of RAM can lead to performance issues and instability, especially if you have a large storage pool or run multiple VMs. Therefore, it's important to use at least 16GB of RAM, and more if possible, to ensure the best possible performance and reliability.

Q: Is there only one TrueNAS?
Answer:
No, there is not just one TrueNAS. TrueNAS is a brand name for a family of open-source network-attached storage (NAS) solutions developed by iXsystems. These solutions are based on the FreeNAS operating system and use the ZFS file system.
TrueNAS offers a range of storage solutions to meet different needs, from entry-level home use to enterprise-level storage. Some of the different TrueNAS products include TrueNAS Core, TrueNAS Enterprise, and TrueNAS Scale. Each product is optimized for different workloads and use cases, and offers different features and capabilities.
So, there is not just one TrueNAS, but rather a range of TrueNAS products to meet different storage needs and requirements.

Q: What are the differences between those solutions?
Answer:
The main differences between the different TrueNAS solutions are:
  1. TrueNAS Core: This is the open-source version of TrueNAS, designed for home users and small businesses. TrueNAS Core provides basic NAS features, such as file sharing, data backup, and virtual machine support. It's available for free and can be installed on commodity hardware.
  2. TrueNAS Enterprise: This is a commercial version of TrueNAS, designed for businesses and enterprise-level storage. TrueNAS Enterprise offers advanced features, such as high-availability, snapshots, and replication, as well as enterprise-level support. TrueNAS Enterprise is optimized for high performance and reliability, and supports larger storage pools and more demanding workloads.
  3. TrueNAS Scale: This is a highly scalable version of TrueNAS, designed for large-scale storage solutions. TrueNAS Scale provides a scalable and flexible architecture that can be used to build large-scale storage clusters, offering features such as data protection, disaster recovery, and data tiering. TrueNAS Scale is optimized for large-scale storage needs and high-performance computing workloads.
So, the main differences between the different TrueNAS solutions are the features and capabilities they offer, as well as the target use cases and workloads they are designed for. Depending on your needs, you can choose the TrueNAS solution that best meets your requirements.

Q: Taking a step back, I read HBAs are a must if I want to have a lot of devices.
Answer:HBAs (Host Bus Adapters) can be important for systems with a lot of storage devices, as they provide additional SATA or SAS connectivity to the system. This can be especially important if you want to build a large storage pool with many disks or use multiple external storage enclosures.
Using an HBA can help you expand the number of storage devices that you can connect to your system, and improve the overall performance and reliability of your storage pool. HBAs are also useful for features like disk passthrough and multipath I/O, which can provide additional data protection and resiliency.
It's worth noting, however, that not all systems require an HBA. If you only have a few storage devices, or if you are building a small storage pool, you may not need an HBA. In these cases, using onboard SATA or SAS connectivity may be sufficient.
So, whether or not you need an HBA depends on the size and complexity of your storage pool, as well as your specific requirements for performance and data protection. If you are building a large storage pool with many disks, or if you have specific requirements for data protection and resiliency, an HBA may be a good choice.

Q: Why can't I use a RAID controller?
Answer:
While RAID controllers can be used for storage, they are generally not recommended for use with ZFS-based storage solutions like TrueNAS. This is because ZFS provides its own data protection and redundancy features, and does not rely on traditional RAID configurations.
Using a RAID controller with ZFS can lead to several problems, such as:
  1. Lack of control: RAID controllers can limit the control you have over your storage pool, as they only offer a limited set of RAID levels and configurations. ZFS, on the other hand, provides a wide range of data protection and redundancy features, such as snapshots, replication, and data scrubbing.
  2. Performance impact: RAID controllers can introduce additional latency and overhead into the storage stack, which can impact performance. ZFS, on the other hand, is designed to provide high performance and low latency, and is optimized for use with direct-attached storage.
  3. Data protection issues: RAID controllers can hide data corruption, leading to data loss or silent data corruption. ZFS, on the other hand, provides data integrity protection through its use of checksums and automatic data repair.
So, while RAID controllers can be used for storage, they are generally not recommended for use with ZFS-based storage solutions like TrueNAS. It's recommended to use direct-attached storage with ZFS, and rely on the data protection and redundancy features provided by the file system itself.

Q: But I have a RAID controller at hand, is there really no other way than buying an HBA?
Answer:
If you already have a RAID controller at hand, you can still use it with ZFS-based storage solutions like TrueNAS. However, it's important to understand that RAID controllers can limit the control you have over your storage pool and can introduce additional latency and overhead into the storage stack, which can impact performance.
One way to use a RAID controller with ZFS is to configure the RAID controller in JBOD (Just a Bunch of Disks) mode, which disables the RAID functionality of the controller and presents each disk as a separate device to the system. This allows you to use ZFS to manage the data protection and redundancy of your storage pool, while still taking advantage of the additional SATA or SAS connectivity provided by the RAID controller.
So, while using a RAID controller with ZFS is possible, it's important to understand the limitations and trade-offs involved, and to configure the controller in a way that allows you to take full advantage of the features and capabilities provided by ZFS.

Q: I also read about the alternative of crossflashing it, moreover it seems to be considered the safest way. What do you say?
Answer:
Crossflashing a RAID controller refers to the process of changing the firmware of the controller to a different firmware version, often one that is more compatible with ZFS-based storage solutions like TrueNAS. This can be done to enable additional features or to provide a more optimal configuration for use with ZFS.
Crossflashing a RAID controller can have some benefits, such as:
  1. Improved compatibility: By crossflashing to a more ZFS-friendly firmware, you can ensure that the controller is configured optimally for use with ZFS, and that all of the features and capabilities of ZFS are available.
  2. Better performance: Crossflashing to a firmware that is optimized for ZFS can result in improved performance, as the controller can be configured to work more efficiently with ZFS.
However, it's important to understand that crossflashing a RAID controller can also have some risks and limitations, such as:
  1. Warranty issues: Crossflashing a controller can void the manufacturer's warranty, as it constitutes a modification of the hardware.
  2. Stability issues: Crossflashing a controller can result in stability issues, as the new firmware may not be fully tested or supported on the controller.
  3. Data loss: Crossflashing a controller can result in data loss, as the new firmware may not be fully compatible with the existing data on the disks.
So, while crossflashing a RAID controller can provide some benefits for use with ZFS-based storage solutions like TrueNAS, it's important to understand the risks and limitations involved, and to proceed with caution. If you're not comfortable with the process of crossflashing a controller, or if you're concerned about data loss or stability issues, it may be safer to use an HBA instead.

Q: What are the latest versions of TrueNAS?
Answer:
As of my knowledge cutoff in 2021, the latest version of TrueNAS is TrueNAS CORE 12.0. It is the latest release in the TrueNAS CORE series, which is a free, open-source version of the TrueNAS software.
TrueNAS CORE 12.0 includes a number of new features and improvements, including:
  1. Updated user interface: The web interface has been updated to provide a more modern and intuitive user experience.
  2. Improved performance: Performance has been improved across a number of areas, including disk I/O, network transfers, and system startup.
  3. Enhanced data protection: TrueNAS CORE 12.0 includes a number of new features to improve data protection and ensure that your data is safe and secure.
  4. Better scalability: TrueNAS CORE 12.0 has been designed to scale to meet the needs of large-scale storage deployments.
Please note that the TrueNAS project is constantly evolving, and new releases and updates are frequently released. You can check the TrueNAS website for the latest information on the latest version of the software.

Q: Who is behind TrueNAS?
Answer:
TrueNAS is a project developed and maintained by iXsystems, Inc., a technology company specializing in open-source storage solutions. iXsystems has been a leading provider of open-source storage solutions for over 20 years, and has a long history of developing and supporting high-performance, reliable, and scalable storage solutions.
TrueNAS is built on the principles of open-source software, and is designed to provide a flexible and scalable storage solution that is easy to use and manage. With a strong community of developers and users, TrueNAS is constantly evolving and improving, and provides a reliable and powerful storage platform for a wide range of applications and use cases.

Q: Is that company reliable?
Answer:
iXsystems, the company behind TrueNAS, has a reputation for providing high-quality and reliable technology solutions. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, iXsystems has built a strong reputation for delivering innovative and reliable open-source storage solutions.
The company has a dedicated team of experts who are committed to developing and supporting TrueNAS, and the TrueNAS community is active and engaged, with a large number of users and developers who contribute to the project.
Additionally, iXsystems provides commercial support for TrueNAS, which can be a valuable resource for organizations looking to implement a large-scale storage solution. With a combination of high-quality software, strong community support, and commercial support options, iXsystems is a reliable provider of storage solutions.

Q: What are the alternatives to TrueNAS? Why should I use them instead?
Answer:
There are several alternatives to TrueNAS that you might consider, depending on your specific needs and requirements:
  1. FreeNAS: FreeNAS is another open-source NAS software that is based on the FreeBSD operating system. It is a popular alternative to TrueNAS and provides many of the same features, including support for ZFS and the ability to run on a wide range of hardware platforms.
  2. Openfiler: Openfiler is a network-attached storage (NAS) and storage area network (SAN) solution that is built on the Linux operating system. It provides a web-based interface for managing storage, and supports a wide range of protocols, including iSCSI, NFS, and SMB/CIFS.
  3. NexentaStor: NexentaStor is a commercial storage solution that is built on the OpenSolaris operating system. It provides advanced storage management features, including data deduplication, snapshots, and replicas, and supports a wide range of protocols, including NFS, SMB/CIFS, iSCSI, and Fibre Channel.
  4. OpenELEC: OpenELEC is a Linux-based distribution designed for home media center systems. It provides a simple, lightweight, and easy-to-use platform for managing media, and includes support for a wide range of media formats and protocols, including NFS and SMB/CIFS.
Ultimately, the choice between TrueNAS and other alternatives will depend on your specific requirements, including your storage needs, the type of hardware you have available, and the level of support and features you require. You may want to consider comparing the features and capabilities of each solution to determine which one is the best fit for your needs.

Q: What if I want something simpler that's also free?
Answer:

If you're looking for a simpler, free alternative to TrueNAS, you might consider the following options:
  1. Samba: Samba is a free and open-source software that provides file and print services for Microsoft Windows clients. You can install Samba on a Linux-based system and use it to create a simple network-attached storage (NAS) solution.
  2. OpenMediaVault: OpenMediaVault is a free and open-source NAS software that is based on the Debian Linux operating system. It provides a web-based interface for managing storage and includes support for a wide range of protocols, including NFS, SMB/CIFS, and FTP.
  3. Rockstor: Rockstor is a free and open-source NAS software that is based on the Linux operating system. It provides a web-based interface for managing storage, and supports a wide range of protocols, including NFS, SMB/CIFS, and rsync.
These solutions are free and relatively easy to use, and can be a good option if you're looking for a simple and cost-effective NAS solution. However, they may not provide all of the advanced features and capabilities of TrueNAS or other more robust storage solutions.

Q: Back to hardware, I want a small NAS for my home use: it will have very few users, it should have a relatively big storage and I don't want to lose my data for a mistake. I also might want to use a VM. Which configuration you suggest?
Answer:
For a small home NAS with a relatively big storage, I would suggest the following configuration:
  1. Processor: A quad-core Intel or AMD CPU with a clock speed of at least 2.0 GHz
  2. RAM: 16GB or more of ECC RAM
  3. Storage: An array of at least 2-3 hard drives in a RAID-Z1 or RAID-Z2 configuration. Ideally, use drives with a capacity of at least 8TB each.
  4. Networking: A Gigabit Ethernet adapter
  5. Operating System: TrueNAS or another ZFS-based storage operating system, such as FreeNAS or OpenZFS.
  6. Optional: A separate drive for the virtual machine environment.
  7. Optional: An HBA for additional drive expansion.
This configuration will provide enough processing power and memory to handle a small number of users, as well as provide a large amount of storage and data protection. ECC RAM is recommended for use with ZFS-based storage systems to ensure data integrity. The RAID-Z1 or RAID-Z2 configuration provides data redundancy, and the use of multiple drives will ensure that the storage capacity is scalable. Using a separate drive for the virtual machine environment will ensure that the performance of the NAS is not impacted by the running virtual machines.

Q: Should I use a write cache? Do I need a SLOG?
Answer:
A write cache (also known as a ZIL or ZFS Intent Log) can improve the write performance of your NAS, but it also increases the risk of data loss in the event of a power failure. A write cache can be implemented in two ways: using a dedicated solid-state drive (SSD) as a SLOG (Separate Intent Log), or by using a portion of system memory as a ZIL.
A SLOG provides a dedicated, non-volatile write cache that can ensure that data is safely written to disk in the event of a power failure. It can significantly improve write performance, especially for workloads with high write I/O requirements.
If you're looking for a high-performance NAS with data protection, a SLOG is recommended. The size of the SLOG should be at least as large as the amount of data that would be written to disk during the longest period of time that the NAS could be without power. A general rule of thumb is to use an SSD with a capacity of at least 8GB to 16GB for the SLOG.
If you're looking for a more cost-effective solution, you can use a portion of system memory as a ZIL instead. However, this option increases the risk of data loss in the event of a power failure. Additionally, the size of the ZIL will be limited by the amount of available system memory.
In conclusion, whether or not to use a write cache, and whether to use a SLOG or a ZIL, will depend on your requirements for performance, data protection, and cost.

Q: What if I want to improve write performance?
Answer:
To improve write performance, you have a few options:
  1. Dedicated SLOG (Separate Intent Log): This is a separate, non-volatile SSD that serves as a write cache. The SLOG stores incoming write data until it can be safely written to disk. This can significantly improve write performance, but also increases the cost of the system.
  2. ZIL in system memory: This is a write cache located in system memory, also known as ZFS Intent Log. The ZIL uses a portion of system memory to store incoming write data until it can be safely written to disk. This option can improve write performance, but also increases the risk of data loss in the event of a power failure.
  3. Multiple storage devices: Using multiple storage devices can help improve performance by spreading the I/O load across multiple disks. This can be done by using a RAID configuration, such as RAID 0, RAID 1, or RAID 10.
  4. High-performance storage devices: Using high-performance storage devices, such as NVMe SSDs, can improve write performance by providing faster storage access.
  5. Networking: Improving the performance of your network can also improve the write performance of your NAS. This can be done by using faster network adapters, such as 10 GbE, and by using network switches that support higher speeds.
It is important to note that the best option for improving write performance will depend on your specific requirements and budget.

Q: Can I virtualize TrueNAS?
Answer:
Yes, you can virtualize TrueNAS by running it as a virtual machine (VM) on top of a hypervisor, such as VMware ESXi, Microsoft Hyper-V, or Proxmox. This allows you to run TrueNAS in a virtual environment, providing the benefits of virtualization, such as increased flexibility, reduced hardware costs, and improved resource utilization.
When virtualizing TrueNAS, it's important to ensure that the underlying hardware is capable of supporting the requirements of the virtualized environment. This includes having sufficient memory, CPU resources, and storage. Additionally, you may need to configure the virtual network to meet your specific requirements, such as providing access to the virtualized TrueNAS instance from other networked devices.

Q: But is it suggested?
Answer:
Whether or not it is suggested to virtualize TrueNAS depends on your specific use case and requirements. Virtualizing TrueNAS can provide some benefits, such as increased flexibility, reduced hardware costs, and improved resource utilization. However, virtualizing any storage solution can also introduce some challenges, such as increased latency, reduced performance, and additional complexity.
If you need to run TrueNAS in a virtual environment, it's important to ensure that the underlying hardware is capable of supporting the requirements of the virtualized environment. Additionally, you may need to configure the virtual network to meet your specific requirements, such as providing access to the virtualized TrueNAS instance from other networked devices.
If performance and low latency are critical requirements, it may be better to run TrueNAS on dedicated hardware rather than virtualizing it. However, if your needs are less demanding, virtualizing TrueNAS can be a good option. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to virtualize TrueNAS will depend on your specific use case and requirements.

Q: Can I buy used hardware and get a reliable system?
Answer:
You can use used hardware to build a TrueNAS system, but it's important to consider the reliability of the used components. The use of used or older hardware can introduce risks, such as component failure and reduced performance.
Before using used hardware, it's important to thoroughly inspect it for any signs of damage or wear and tear. If possible, test the components to ensure that they are functioning correctly. Additionally, it's a good idea to research the component's history and track record for reliability.
It's also important to keep in mind that older components may not be compatible with the latest version of TrueNAS, and may not meet the system requirements.
Ultimately, the reliability of a TrueNAS system built using used hardware will depend on the quality and condition of the used components, as well as the care and attention taken when building and maintaining the system. If you're not comfortable with building and maintaining a system using used components, it may be better to invest in new hardware to ensure maximum reliability.

Q: Can I use my wifi or do I need to use ethernet?
Answer:
You can use Wi-Fi to connect to a TrueNAS system, but it's generally not recommended for a number of reasons:
  1. Performance: Ethernet connections offer much higher speeds and lower latency compared to Wi-Fi, making them better suited for storage applications where high performance is important.
  2. Stability: Wi-Fi connections can be less stable and more prone to interference than Ethernet connections, which can lead to poor performance or connection drops.
  3. Security: Wi-Fi connections are typically less secure than Ethernet connections, as they can be more easily intercepted by malicious actors.
If you have a choice, it's usually best to use an Ethernet connection for your TrueNAS system. This will help to ensure the best possible performance and stability, as well as better security for your data. If you need to use Wi-Fi for your TrueNAS system, consider using a Wi-Fi access point that supports a wired Ethernet connection for maximum performance and stability.

Q: Can I use any kind of hard drive?
Answer:
You can use a variety of hard drives with TrueNAS, but not all hard drives are equal in terms of performance, reliability, and compatibility.
For best results, it's recommended to use hard drives that are designed for NAS or enterprise storage systems. These drives typically have features like higher error correction and improved reliability, which can help ensure that your data is safe and secure.
Additionally, TrueNAS supports ZFS, which allows you to use multiple hard drives in a storage pool. This enables you to use different types of hard drives in your TrueNAS system, such as larger, slower drives for bulk storage and faster drives for more demanding applications.
When choosing hard drives for your TrueNAS system, it's important to consider factors such as capacity, performance, reliability, and cost. You should also consider the total number of hard drives you want to use, as well as the number of hard drives you need to ensure your data is protected through redundancy.
Ultimately, the best hard drive for your TrueNAS system will depend on your specific needs and requirements. Before making a decision, it's a good idea to research the different options available and to seek the advice of experts in the field.

Q: Can you give me more details?
Answer:
When it comes to choosing hard drives for your TrueNAS system, there are several factors to consider:
  1. Capacity: How much storage do you need? Larger hard drives can store more data, but they also tend to be slower and more expensive.
  2. Performance: What are the read and write speeds of the hard drive? Faster hard drives will provide improved performance for demanding applications like virtualization or video streaming.
  3. Reliability: How reliable is the hard drive? Consider the hard drive's mean time between failures (MTBF) and error correction capabilities.
  4. Cost: How much does the hard drive cost? Larger hard drives and those with higher performance tend to be more expensive.
  5. Compatibility: Is the hard drive compatible with your TrueNAS system? Consider the hard drive's interface (e.g. SATA, SAS, NVMe) and form factor (e.g. 3.5", 2.5", or M.2).
When it comes to using multiple hard drives with TrueNAS and ZFS, you can use different types of hard drives in your storage pool, such as larger, slower hard drives for bulk storage and faster hard drives for more demanding applications.
When building a TrueNAS system, it's recommended to use hard drives that are specifically designed for NAS or enterprise storage systems, as they typically have higher error correction and improved reliability.
Additionally, it's important to consider the number of hard drives you want to use and the number of hard drives you need to ensure your data is protected through redundancy. ZFS supports several redundancy options, including RAID-Z and mirroring, which can help protect your data against hard drive failures.
Overall, choosing the right hard drive for your TrueNAS system will depend on your specific needs and requirements. It's always a good idea to research the different options available and to seek the advice of experts in the field before making a decision.

Q: I have a SMR drive, is that good?
Answer:
SMR (Shingled Magnetic Recording) drives are not recommended for use in ZFS-based storage systems like TrueNAS. The main issue with SMR drives is that they have poor write performance compared to other drive types, and they also have longer write latency. These factors can negatively impact the performance and stability of your ZFS-based storage system. If you want to ensure the best performance and reliability for your TrueNAS system, it is recommended to use drives with other recording technologies, such as PMR (Perpendicular Magnetic Recording) or SMR with a large cache buffer.

Q: is the drive WD20EFAX smr or cmr?
Answer:
The Western Digital WD20EFAX drive is a SMR (Shingled Magnetic Recording) drive.

Q: Can I use usb for boot drive?
Answer:
Yes, you can use a USB drive as a boot drive for TrueNAS. However, keep in mind that USB drives are typically slower and less reliable than other types of drives, such as internal SATA or SAS drives. Additionally, the performance and reliability of the USB drive can be impacted by the type and quality of the USB controller used in your system. For best results, it is recommended to use a high-quality USB drive and a reliable USB controller.

Q: What is a high-quality USB drive?
Answer:
A high-quality USB drive is a drive that has been manufactured to strict standards and has been tested to meet high performance and reliability specifications. Some factors that contribute to the quality of a USB drive include the following:
  • Controller: A high-quality USB drive should use a reliable and high-performance controller.
  • NAND flash memory: The quality of the NAND flash memory used in the drive can impact its performance and reliability. High-quality drives typically use high-quality NAND flash memory that has been tested and validated for long-term performance and reliability.
  • Firmware: A high-quality USB drive should have well-designed and reliable firmware that is optimized for performance and reliability.
  • Build quality: The build quality of the drive can impact its durability and long-term reliability. High-quality drives typically have a strong, durable housing and other features that help protect the drive from damage.
  • Brand reputation: The reputation of the brand can also be an indicator of the quality of the drive. Brands with a long history of producing high-quality drives and a positive reputation for customer support and warranty service are generally considered to be high-quality.
When choosing a USB drive for use with TrueNAS or any other system, it is recommended to consider these factors and to select a drive from a reputable brand that has been tested and validated for use in demanding applications.

Q: Can you suggest one suited for being a boot drive?
Answer:
For a boot drive, it's important to choose a high-quality, reliable USB drive with good write speed and durability. Some popular options include the SanDisk Ultra Fit, the Samsung BAR Plus, and the Kingston Digital DataTraveler. It's important to check the compatibility with the system you are using it with, as some systems may have limitations on the type of drive they can boot from.

Q: Should I use a MLC flash or other?
Answer:
For a boot drive, it's recommended to use a USB drive with MLC (Multi-Level Cell) flash memory, as it offers a good balance between performance and reliability. MLC flash memory provides higher write performance compared to TLC (Triple-Level Cell) flash memory and is also more reliable.
It's important to note that the type of flash memory is not the only factor to consider when choosing a USB drive for a boot drive, other factors such as write speed, read speed, durability, and compatibility with the system should also be considered.

Q: Isn't the type of flash memory related to how durable such drives are?
Answer:
Yes, the type of flash memory used in a USB drive can affect its durability. In general, SLC (Single-Level Cell) flash memory is the most durable, followed by MLC (Multi-Level Cell), and TLC (Triple-Level Cell) flash memory is the least durable.
This is because SLC flash memory can only store one bit of data per cell, while MLC can store two bits and TLC can store three bits. More bits per cell mean higher storage density, but also lower reliability and endurance.
When choosing a USB drive, it's important to consider both the type of flash memory and the drive's overall durability, such as its write cycle endurance and how it handles shock and vibration.

Q: Would you suggest using TrueNAS?
Answer:
As an AI language model, I don't have personal opinions, but I can provide information to help you make an informed decision.
TrueNAS is a popular and highly regarded open-source storage platform based on the ZFS filesystem. It is known for its stability, scalability, and advanced data protection features, making it a good choice for many enterprise and home users.
However, whether or not TrueNAS is the right choice for you will depend on your specific needs and requirements. Factors to consider include the size of your storage needs, the number of users and devices that will be accessing the system, the level of data protection and security you require, and your budget and available hardware.
It is also important to consider your own level of technical expertise and experience with managing storage systems. While TrueNAS is designed to be user-friendly, it can still be a complex platform to set up and manage, especially if you are new to storage technology.
In summary, TrueNAS is a powerful and reliable platform that can meet the storage needs of many users, but it may not be the right choice for everyone.

Q: Is TrueNAS for everyone?
Answer:
No, TrueNAS is not for everyone. It is designed for experienced users and organizations who have specific storage needs and the technical expertise to manage and maintain a complex storage solution. If you are looking for a simpler and more user-friendly NAS solution, there are many other options available that may be more suitable for you.
 

Whattteva

Wizard
Joined
Mar 5, 2013
Messages
1,824
A lot of these answers seem good. I'd venture to say better than a lot of YouTube videos out there. The suggestion to use OpenElec as an alternative to TrueNAS did raise my eyebrow though.
 

Jailer

Not strong, but bad
Joined
Sep 12, 2014
Messages
4,976
Chat GPT. Why don't we just call it by it's true name, HAL.

We're all going to die.
 
Last edited:
Joined
Oct 22, 2019
Messages
3,589
I dare you to ask it "Who is ___ of the TrueNAS forums?"

Insert whatever username. :wink:
 

Whattteva

Wizard
Joined
Mar 5, 2013
Messages
1,824

Arwen

MVP
Joined
May 17, 2014
Messages
3,600
I was not aware FreeNAS was still a thing. Thought TrueNAS Core naming replaced it.

Under the section "Q: What are the alternatives to TrueNAS? Why should I use them instead?" I would add UnRAID.

In the SLOG section, SLOG != Write cache. Further, the ZIL is in-pool, thus as well protected as the data in the pool. The subject of ZIL, SLOG and RAM transaction groups is complicated. So it is understandable not understanding SLOGs well..

There are other things I would suggest as improvements.
 
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