ReadyNAS 3200

[Naversten]

I'm about to buy a ReadyNAS 3200. I want two things in place before I buy:

a) possibility to utilize 3TB-disks. I want to make sure that the hardware will not impose restrictions. Will there for sure be an update making the use of 3TB-disks or larger (in ALL twelve slots) possible?

b) I want to start with 3 disks plus 2 spare, and then gradually expand. I understand there is a restriction to expand beyond 16TB. To do a factory reset is no fun. I prefer waiting for the fix so the transition beyond 16TB is smooth.

Question: What software/firmware versions should I look for that will take care of these two issues?

[mdgm]

a) NetGear is working on the 4.2.16 update (http://readynas.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=51&t=48457) to do this. However you should note that as none of the currently available 3TB drives are enterprise disks none of these will be added to the compatibility list for the 3200. There is an issue with the LSI firmware (http://www.readynas.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=51&t=48980&p=280918&hilit=3200+firmware#p280918) but once this is resolved before 4.2.16 goes final 3TB drives would be supported in all 12 slots. Then when enterprise disks become available NetGear would qualify some and add them to the compatibility list.

b) You can use X-RAID2 dual-redundancy (With 5 disks this would protect you against the failure of any two disks). I expect that a future firmware update at some point will lift the 16TB restriction for expanding volumes. Keep an eye on the release notes of firmware updates as such a change would definitely be mentioned.

[Naversten]

a) NetGear is working on the 4.2.16 update...There is an issue with the LSI firmware...once this is resolved before 4.2.16 goes final 3TB drives would be supported in all 12 slots.

Just want to make sure; do I need to wait for BOTH 4.2.16 AS WELL AS some LSI firmware update - or will the 4.2.16 incapsulate any needed LSI firmware?

b) You can use X-RAID2 dual-redundancy...at some point will lift the 16TB restriction...

I understand that 5 disks for sure will fly under the 16TB radar. What I want to avoid is to have to do a factory reset when I PASS 16TB (adding firther disks #6, #7, #8, #9 etc. Will that be included in the 4.2.16 update - or is that update further away? If so - I will HAVE to fill all twelve slots from start to avoid factory reset. Or wait until future update...

[mdgm]

Just want to make sure; do I need to wait for BOTH 4.2.16 AS WELL AS some LSI firmware update - or will the 4.2.16 incapsulate any needed LSI firmware?

Don't know. I think 4.2.16 would include the necessary update but we'll have to wait and see what NetGear will come up with.

Will that be included in the 4.2.16 update - or is that update further away? If so - I will HAVE to fill all twelve slots from start to avoid factory reset. Or wait until future update...

I think the 16TB limit will likely still be there in 4.2.16. It is in the current public beta. So we'll have to wait and see what happens. As of 4.2.16 Flex-RAID volumes are expandable so using multiple Flex-RAID volumes is another option to consider.

[TeknoJnky]

Just want to make sure; do I need to wait for BOTH 4.2.16 AS WELL AS some LSI firmware update - or will the 4.2.16 incapsulate any needed LSI firmware?

Don't know. I think 4.2.16 would include the necessary update but we'll have to wait and see what NetGear will come up with.

More conjecture.

I would not hold my breath for the LSI firmware update.

Much like getting GPT support on the sparc devices, until NETGEAR make an official statement, you should consider only existing functionality, which means 2tb drive limits for 3200 (I don't know if 4200 is affected).

Will that be included in the 4.2.16 update - or is that update further away? If so - I will HAVE to fill all twelve slots from start to avoid factory reset. Or wait until future update...

Until firmware notes indicate expansion over 16tb has been enabled, you will have to factory reset with that amount in place.

You can find the release notes @ http://www.readynas.com/?cat=41

[mdgm]

More conjecture.

I would not hold my breath for the LSI firmware update.

Good point. I guess if NetGear can't get a LSI firmware update they'll have to consider making a v2 of the 3200 or 4200 or both that does have it.

I believe the 3200 and 4200 have the same SAS/SATA controller so both would be affected by the problem.

[Naversten]

I will await confirmation from a Netgear employee that tha LSI firmware will be updated to go beyond 2.19TB. Until then, I keep my finger on the trigger in the online shop.

[Naversten]

Still no Netgear-employee that can confirm that the hardware issue (LSI-firmware) WILL be solved? I'm trigger happy and would certainly WANT to buy a 3200. If the hardware can't be (won't be) updated with a future firmware update, I must wait though... A thumbs up = "we WILL come with an firmware update to the LSI" would be much appreciated (ping @Yoh-dah)...

[TeknoJnky]

note added to beta firmware at some point

4. Maximum 2TB drive support on 3200/4200 channels 5-12 due to LSI controller limitation.

ouch.

[Woodzzter]

Without trying to hijack this post. If there is a 16TB limit on a 3200 - why is a 24TB model available - or am I missing something obvious?

EDIT: Wait never mind - the 16TB limit is only for expandable RAID (XRAID2). Should have done that search before posting my question!

[mdgm]

Yes you can use 12x2TB disks (would give you less than 20TB after redundancy and overheads but more than 16TB), but you have to factory default with the disks in place to get a larger volume than 16TB.

With 3TB disks, you could have 3TB disks in bays 1-4 and 2TB disks in 5-12. Using 4.2.16 beta that would give maximum capacity. Of course only enterprise disks should be used in the 3200 if you value your data at all.

[MCCS]

Yes you can use 12x2TB disks (would give you less than 20TB after redundancy and overheads but more than 16TB), but you have to factory default with the disks in place to get a larger volume than 16TB.

With 3TB disks, you could have 3TB disks in bays 1-4 and 2TB disks in 5-12. Using 4.2.16 beta that would give maximum capacity. Of course only enterprise disks should be used in the 3200 if you value your data at all.

Is this still in place?
that yo uneed to factory reset if you need more then 16tb?
i am currently expanding my system from 12x (6x1tb+6x2tb) to 12x2tb this would put me well over the 16tb mark!

[readysecure1985]

Unfortunately MCCS, this is still the case. Even on the current firmware, 4.2.19, You will need to factory default the unit to exceed the 16 TB mark.

[MCCS]

readysecure1985, thanks for confirming.. i'll start backing up the allready 8TB i had in use!!! arg ;/
now were did i left a spare 10TB nas hanging arround.. grrr

[mdgm]

Now new 3200 units ship with Flex-RAID, I think. With that you can create additional volumes to workaround the volume limit for expansion rather than having a single volume C (X-RAID2). To switch between X-RAID2 and Flex-RAID a factory default (wipes all data, settings, everything) is needed.