difference between the ReadyNAS models?

[atebit]

I have an original ReadyNAS (not even a "+") that is at least six years old at this point. Still running the original disks (1TB). No issues with the disks at this point. The chassis is OK, though I notice that if I shut it down for any period of time, the fan bearings make an unhappy noise for a while until it "warms up".

Anyway, over this period of time I have truly treated the ReadyNAS as an appliance...it just sits there and works, which I appreciate. But six years later, 1TB isn't all that, so I'm trying to decide if I should just upgrade the disks in my existing chassis or maybe look to start from scratch. I looked in the FAQ for a list of differences between all the models, but I couldn't really find anything.

I know the newer models are Intel-based, not sure what that buys me. I imagine that the newer models probably support higher capacity disks as well. Right now, I'm using the ReadyNAS for Time Machine backup, and my iTunes library. I had also planned on using it for video storage, but that never really got off the ground for me as I don't watch videos as much as I used to. But with 500GB drives on our various Macs, the space required for Time Machine alone is making me think about upgrading. I considered a Time Capsule, but with RAIDiator's built-in support for TM now, I think the ReadyNAS is a much more attractive option.

So is it worth looking at upgrading the NV chassis?

[mdgm]

The NV will support 2TB drives but you'd likely need to do a factory reset on RAIDiator 4.1.7 or later. Most 2TB disks are 4k sector and without 4k sector partition alignment you'll get poor write performance.

If you're looking for a new model I'd go with the x86 (Intel) range i.e. Ultra/Pro. These are much faster than the NV, support disks larger than 2TB in capacity, run a greater range of add-ons, have more features etc.

I like features such as the "Disk Test" boot option which allows you to run long SMART tests on drives.

If you want to stick with the NV you might wish to consider replacing the fan. If you do get a new NAS it'd still be useful for a backup unit.

[atebit]

Thanks for the reply! I'm currently running RAIDiator 4.1.8, just upgraded about a month to so ago. So are you recommending that if I start putting 2TB drives in my NV that I should do a factory reset first? Should I do that before or after I start to install the new drives?

[readysecure1985]

atebit, while it appears mdgm was able to resolve your query regarding the difference in models, allow me to direct you to this link, which will present you with a comparison chart for both the business and home ReadyNAS units: http://www.readynas.com/?cat=49 . Also, the factory default will need to be performed when the 2TB Drives are in the unit.

[mdgm]

Yes backup your data, power down, remove old drives (label order), put new drives in, do factory reset, restore data from backup.

[PapaBear]

Of course, if you are moving your data to a newer NAS, you can copy the data over to it (backup jobs using NFS first and then changing to rsysnc to verify is the best way) and then update your NV with larger drives to serve as a backup. You would then again set up backup jobs to copy the data back onto the NV, using NFS first and then rsync to verify. You can then leave the rsync jobs set up and set the schedule so your backup job runs automatically. (My jobs start at midnight).

I do recognize that adding a second NAS to the system is a big financial undertaking, especially if we are talking about putting new drives in the new unit and upgrading the drives in the existing unit. I went through that a little under two years ago and thankfully, at that time the price of drives was much less than they are currently. It was a big undertaking for me over several months, but I would not want to go back. The realization when I update my firmware, or have a drive fail, that just in case something goes wrong with one unit, all my data is secure on the other unit is very comforting.