I have a NAS-system that I’ve built myself back in 2017. Right now the server uses two mirrored USB-memory sticks as boot drive.
I plan on making a small upgrade to this server by switching to something better for boot drive.
(The server is currently “stuck” on FreeNAS 11.3, since TrueNAS 12 introduced higher demands on the boot drive and USB-memory sticks are not recommended for boot drive.)
So I have been looking around some and thinking about what could be a good choice for upgrading the boot drive.
I really like how FreeNAS 11.3 and older could be run off USB-memory sticks. Ideally I would like to stay as close to this as possible.
Right now, what I am thinking is to switch to Verbatim Vx500 External SSD (x2 mirrored) that connects using USB.
Questions:
Do you think using external SSD is an ok idea for TrueNAS boot drive? Or is this a bad idea for some reasons?
I would not experience any problems with external SSDs? Like that they go idle / sleep mode or something?
Is there a guide on how to switch out boot-drive? I have the impression that it is a bit tricky operation.
Avoid USB. Completely. Period.
Do you use all of the 6 SATA ports?
Is the PCIe slot used?
A single small SATA SSD is much more reliable than a pair of USB sticks.
USB generally sucks for stable connectivity as they really are not built for that. Youwould be much better served with a couple of small SSDs or NVME drives as boot mirror, but make sure you get something build for NAS applciations. I use WD Red SN700 nvme’s (which are about $60 for a 256gb) If you have any room on your SATA controllers, I would avoid USB.
For switching the boot drive, I am not sure of your current configuration. If everything is in ZFS pools except and nothing is in your boot pools except TNAS OS, the easiest thing to do is save your running configuration, install the new boot drives and take the USB drives out, then install the SAME version of TrueNAS, restore the config and import your pools. I have done this several times with great success with Scale (including migrating off Proxmox to TNAS bare metal)
The biggest problem with USB flash drives is they tend to be dirt cheap. Thus less reliable than even the cheapest SATA SSD. Those Cruzer Fit are reliable, though if you have been using them since 2017, they likely won’t last much longer.
Many people find USB to SATA or USB to NVMe adapters to be quite suitable for their use as TrueNAS boot devices. Even to the point of not bothering to mirror them. You then select a small, suitable SATA or NVMe drive and off you go.
If you have an extra SATA port or 2, internal 2.5" SSD, (or even the more expensive SATA DOMs), can be an option.
Their are companies that produce reliable USB flash drives, that act more like SSDs. Meaning they may have spare sectors and better error handling. For example, these 2 manufacturers seem to have such, (I have no connection to them, nor any personal knowledge):
Last, the Verbatim Vx500 External SSD 240GB is over-kill for TrueNAS boot, even today. The 120GB model is better in that it is likely cheaper and more than enough space for TrueNAS. (TrueNAS still uses dedicated boot devices… just like FreeNAS did.)
There is no major issue using a normal SSD (SATA/NVMe) via a USB bridge for a boot device. But please don’t use one for a data-pool.
Of course the issue with USB bridges is that it can be a crap shoot as to wether you buy a good one or a friday afternoon aliexpress special made from chinesium. If you get a good one then it works (I ran a TrueNAS NAS for a year or so on a pair of these mirrored without issue)
You can use a thumb drive, but if you do make sure you get a regular copy of the config file emailed to you (Multi_Report or similar) so if the boot device does crap out (be it a cheap USB thumb drive or a modern NVMe in a decent bridge device) then a re-install of the OS is very very VERY simple. (note that a copy of the config file saved off-NAS is very good practice anyhow)
Yes its annoying to have to do - but its very simple.
Eh, can’t quite agree here. A USB-connected SSB is OK for a boot device. It isn’t the greatest thing ever, and definitely a SATA SSD would be an improvement, but given the limited i/o to the boot device (and the minimal consequences of boot device failure) it’s an acceptable risk IMO, particularly if expansion options are limited for the server in question.
FWIW, my parents’ NAS (built on a HPE MicroServer Gen8, consequently with very limited i/o options) has been using a USB SSD as a boot device for CORE for the last 4+ years with no issues.
Consider that the PCI-ex>NVME boot capability Is not guaranteed on older mainboard… USB>SSD Is the most accettable compromise.
I didn’t have had any problem in months, SSD just die like he could attached via SATA… Instead of waste a disk for mirror be sure to have a recent config backup file + a replacement disk, so you come back in minutes in need
Edit: for the above link it will default to a mSATA to 2.5 SATA, you can select the USB 3.0 to mSATA, which is what I use and recommend.
And the following mSATA drive
I have one for my primary NAS and one for my backup NAS and I have a spare laying around. I’ve found that it works quite well and have not had any issues running boot drive this way for the past 3+ years.
I would echo sentiments mentioned above, do not use a “flash drive.” Use a more stable storage device. Using the USB connection for a stable storage device should be fine.
