I need to build a SMALL server for backing up media on the road. I will be using 3x20TB disks in a triple mirror. I’m going for the smallest possible footprint and power consumption. It will stay on 24/7 when it’s not on the road.
I didn’t get this part.
And why triple mirror? Isn’t it overkill for a backup server?
This is looking to be the smallest ITX possibility.
Absolutely overkill, but we prefer the redundancy when we’re not able to offload data. Easier to throw in a spare drive and be done with it until we get back.Also, “overkill” is relative, if we have $30k worth of irreplaceable media that needs to survive for a while it’s worth the peace of mind.
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Well, technically speaking, mirror/raidz is not about data safety but about data HA.
And again – what is “on the road”? Are you taking your NAS for some kind of trip? Then why is it 24/7?
When you don’t have access to electricity.
I do this myself when I need to use my NAS in a hotel parking lot.
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Technically, we cannot carry a proper 3-2-1 setup with us into the deserts and beaches, so this will have to do. As an additional precaution, we don’t wipe SD cards until all data is properly verified and secured.\
I should have clarified. It will run in office 24/7, but also taken on the road where it will be 20TB of redundant portable storage.
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Got it. Are you travelling by car? If so, 24/7 may not be that good an idea. Because even a small car accident can render all working drives broken (doesn’t matter if it’s a 2 or 3 ways mirror).
IMO, if you need a constantly working system that is on the move, you should consider all-flash NAS, as flash is more shock resistant. Perhaps all-flash can also be more compact.
EDIT: I googled some values. Perhaps HDDs would survive a small car accident.
True. It is not immune to theft, fire, tornadoes, crackheads, or car accidents. I’ve got everything but a case/ps to get this server ready for use. All flash would be great, but it’s not quite there for price/capacity. Certainly a better option for the future.
If none of the ready made cases suit your need then a possibility could be an sff case with 3d printed drive caddies. I have seen 4 drives shoved inside a sliger conswole for example.
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