We're looking at adding some SSDs into our current NFS storage for our SQL Server VMs. I am looking at probably 256GB Samsung 840 Pro drives. We run everything in VMWare to a Napp-It NFS server.
We're looking at 5 drives to start and I am torn between a Raid-Z configuration or going with mirrors. We've had great performance on our mirror setup compared to what we used to get on our MD3000i array.
The server is running IBM 1015 controllers flashed to IT firmware.
I like going with mirrors for the performance and ability to extend the array in pairs of drives. On the other hand, with the SSDs that's a lot of space to lose. We're sitting at about 8-9 drive slots free, so we are a little limited on our expansion unless we add an additional chassis. I would love to add one of the 45 drive 2.5" Supermicro JBOD chassis to the mix at the end of the year.
Which way would you go with this if it were up to you? Mirrors or RaidZ?
Pros (Mirror):
- Increased speed
- Cheaper to add bits of storage space (pairs vs. full RaidZ pool)
Cons (Mirror):
- Less space per chassis density
Pros (RaidZ):
- More space available
- faster(?) read
Cons (RaidZ):
- More expensive to add to the pool
Decisions, decisions, decisions...
We're looking at 5 drives to start and I am torn between a Raid-Z configuration or going with mirrors. We've had great performance on our mirror setup compared to what we used to get on our MD3000i array.
The server is running IBM 1015 controllers flashed to IT firmware.
I like going with mirrors for the performance and ability to extend the array in pairs of drives. On the other hand, with the SSDs that's a lot of space to lose. We're sitting at about 8-9 drive slots free, so we are a little limited on our expansion unless we add an additional chassis. I would love to add one of the 45 drive 2.5" Supermicro JBOD chassis to the mix at the end of the year.
Which way would you go with this if it were up to you? Mirrors or RaidZ?
Pros (Mirror):
- Increased speed
- Cheaper to add bits of storage space (pairs vs. full RaidZ pool)
Cons (Mirror):
- Less space per chassis density
Pros (RaidZ):
- More space available
- faster(?) read
Cons (RaidZ):
- More expensive to add to the pool
Decisions, decisions, decisions...