Nas4free zfs raid to Freenas

[Chute]

Hi

My old nas4free box is getting slow, and it's such an old build that upgrading to xigmanas is apparently not recommended.

So, I thought, I'll upgrade my PC and use the bits to build a new Freenas box (i5-4570, 8GB)

The problem I have is that I have 3TB of data that I'd rather not lose. This is on a raidz1, 4 x 2tb drives, and I dont have anywhere near enough space elsewhere to put it while I build the new nas.

After I've got the freenas box up and running, would it be possible to import the discs as they are?

 

[pschatz100]

First of all, Raid is not a substitute for a backup - you really need a backup strategy. It would be a wise precaution to back up your data before re-configuring your system.

If you can determine what version of FreeBSD your old NAS4Free is running, and also the version of UFS or ZFS file system being used, some of the experienced members of the forum will be able to tell you whether or not you are likely to face big obstacles.

Also, any current version of FreeNAS uses ZFS file system, which prefers ECC memory. If you are buying parts for a new system, you should seriously consider using ECC memory. These days, it is not that much more expensive than non-ECC memory.

 

[danb35]

FreeNAS uses ZFS file system, which prefers ECC memory

Going to have to take exception to this statement--there's nothing about ZFS that makes ECC any more desirable than with any other filesystem. If you care about the data, you should be using ECC regardless of the OS or filesystem.

 

[Chute]

thank you for your replies, version is FreeBSD 11.1-RELEASE-p1 #0 r324694M: Tue Oct 17 18:22:24 CEST 2017

it does sound like this might be hard, and I am not that clever in the grand scheme.

the ram I will be using is the existing out of my old pc, I am pretty sure it is non ecc

 

[danb35]

t does sound like this might be hard

I wouldn't expect so, at least as far as importing the pool is concerned--as long as it was ZFS (and it's likely it would have been), it should import into FreeNAS without a problem. Getting everything else working the way you want it to may take more work, though, depending on what all else you want it to do.

 

[PhiloEpisteme]

First of all, Raid is not a substitute for a backup - you really need a backup strategy. It would be a wise precaution to back up your data before re-configuring your system.

Very much agree with this in general. So long as you keep only a single copy of your data you're leaving it at risk. I think it is especially important to keep this in mind as you go through and migrate to a newer build which may introduce the possibility for mistakes or hiccups that risk your data.

Of course, what strategy, if you chose one at all, will have to do with your budget, the data you store and how important it is to you, and your risk tolerance.

So, I thought, I'll upgrade my PC and use the bits to build a new Freenas box (i5-4570, 8GB)

What are you hoping a build like this to do for you? What you want it to do will go a long way in pointing you toward the appropriate gear.

Best of luck. I'm interested to see what your use case is and what you settle on. As said above, if you have issues with the import folks around here are happy to help.

 

[Chute]

thank you for the replies. I managed to scrabble enough hard drive space to keep what I wanted to and have the new box up and running but with some issues. I'll post in a more appropriate place my many many questions, lol.