ZFS Configuration for 8 Disks

[FleurDeLis425]

Just got a new case that supports 8 disks (seems to be the norm in many cases).

I want to make the best use of the drives, ideally with Raid-Z2 as the disks will hold a lot of family photos and videos. I know that Raid-Z2 works best in 4, 6, and 10-disk configurations. Other alternatives I see are 2-Disk Mirror configurations or 4-Disk Raid-Z2 configurations. Would prefer to get the extra space though.

What will happen is I proceeded with a 8-disk Z2 configuration? Will I just take a performance hit or something more?

 

[helloha]

Yes, mostly performance. It's better to do a 2 way mirror of 4 disks in raidz1. It is a bit faster in my experience.

It also might be faster to rebuild in event of a disk failure then 8 disks in raidz2.

K.

 

[Sir.Robin]

I would most likely put them all in a Raidz2. 2x 4 drive Raidz1 will be a bigger risk.

 

[anodos]

RAIDZ2. Having 8-disks in Z2 is common and does not measureably affect performance. Especially on a 1gbps network.

http://blog.delphix.com/matt/2014/06/06/zfs-stripe-width/

Short version: choose width based on storage and iops goals. Since high iops is almost certainly not your target, aim to maximize available storage under RAIDZ2