New QNAP TS-212-E 2-Bay Diskless Network Attached Storage

[cnjmorris]

Just picked one of these up off Buy.com for $100...

My usage is simple home backup of multiple computers and streaming of music/vidoes, and I would guess my storage needs are about 1.5TB.

Is my best bet to pick up 2 of the 3TB WD Red drives and set up in raid for protection, or do people have a better suggestion? I am pretty sure that is what I want to do but wanted to ask the experts. Appreciate any input.

 

[ch33zw1z]

http://www.qnap.com/i/useng/product_x_grade/product_intro.php?g_cat=1&II=131&hf=old

Compatibility list. See what 3TB drives you can find on there. The Red drives are on the list.

2x3TB RAID 1 is what I would do, or a 2x2TB...whatever you can afford.

http://www.qnap.com/useng/index.php?lang=en-us&sn=862&c=355&sc=688&t=696&n=20423&g=1

That's the main page for it.

Keep in mind, RAID is not a backup. You will want another 3TB drive (or 2TB, whatever size disks you decide to use) for an "offline" backup of the RAID 1

 

[cnjmorris]

Thanks for the input and info.

Raid 1 isn't for backup? If it mirrors 2 drives what is the purpose if not for backup. I'm fine with it not being because I have offline backup to a 2TB drive already and will continue to do so... but that statement made me question what I thought to be the case =)

 

[Mark R]

Thanks for the input and info.

Raid 1 isn't for backup? If it mirrors 2 drives what is the purpose if not for backup. I'm fine with it not being because I have offline backup to a 2TB drive already and will continue to do so... but that statement made me question what I thought to be the case =)

RAID keeps you working, by mitigating a common equipment breakdown.

However, it does not keep your data safe against other common (probably more common) problems - accidental deletion of files, virus attack/cryptolocker/malware, data corruption due to software bugs, etc. If a virus encrypts all your files, the files are encrypted on all teh drives in the RAID.

A backup of your data on a separate off-line system is always a good idea.

 

[ch33zw1z]

Thanks for the input and info.

Raid 1 isn't for backup? If it mirrors 2 drives what is the purpose if not for backup. I'm fine with it not being because I have offline backup to a 2TB drive already and will continue to do so... but that statement made me question what I thought to be the case =)

It's a common misconception. One that people don't realize until it's bought up to them. So I'm sharing the learned knowledge

Like Mark said, RAID is great for uptime protection. but if for whatever reason the array fails, file structure or files are compromised, etc...then an offline backup is what you fall back on.

I have a 2x2TB RAID1. I had 2 more 2TB drives that I hook up externally and backup to just in case the array goes kaboom.

I've had quite a few unfortunate customers that didn't heed this advice. It's a painful lesson for them when they here the words "data recovery will not be possible"