I have for a while a ubuntu server where I selfhost for my household syncthing (automatic backup of most important files on devices), baïkal, magic mirror and a few other things via docker.

I was looking at what I have now (leftovers of a computer of mine, amd 2600 with 16 gb ram with a 1660 super and a western digital blue ssd of 512GB), and regarding storage wise, at the time I decided to get several sort of cheap ssd’s to have enough initial space (made a logical volume out of 3 crucial mx500 1TB, in total making 3TB). At the time I though I wanted to avoid regular hdd at all costs (knew people who had issues with it), but in hindsight, I never worked with NAS drives, so my fear over these hdd with such low usage is sort of uncalled for.

So now I am trying to understand what can I change this setup so I can expand later if needed, but also having a bit more space already (for the personal stuff I have around 1.5TB of data) and add a bit more resilience in case something happens. Another goal is to try to make a 3-2-1 backup kind of solution (starting with the setup at home, with an external disk already and later a remote backup location). Also, I will probably decommission for now the ssd’s since I want to avoid to have a logical volumes (something happens on one drive, and puff all the data goes away). So my questions regarding this are:

  • For hdd’s to be used as long term storage, what is usually the rule of thumb? Are there any recommendations on what drives are usually better for this?
  • Considering this is going to store personal documents and photos, is RAID a must in your opinion? And if so, which configuration?
  • And in case RAID would be required, is ubuntu server good enough for this? or using something such as unraid is a must?
  • I was thinking of probably trying to sell the 1660 super while it has some market value. However, I was never able to have the server completely headless. Is there a way to make this happen with a msi tomahawk b450? Or is only possible with an APU (such as 5600g)?

Thanks in advance

PS: If you guys find any glaring issues with my setup and know a tip or two, please share them so I can also understand better this selfhosted landscape :)

  • ZeDoTelhado@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
    1·
    16 hours ago

    You are for sure right. I did find gaps on my solution right now which is:

    • I have several external disks that only have the information once (some of then quite old).
    • if I aggregate all of those in one spot I for sure need more space
    • right now the ssds are grouped into a lvm to make a logical volume of 3TB (at the time this was OK since I was testing it out for a while). However, one disk fails and I have a problem on my hands.
    • decided to look into ssd prices and my eyes started get watery at how expensive would it be (thus, coming to the realization regarding disk types. Didn’t mention before since my post was getting WAY too long).

    Since I get this now, I am trying to understand better the landscape of solutions that can potentially fit.

    • non_burglar@lemmy.worldEnglish
      1·
      3 hours ago

      Sounds reasonable, and I’m sure you’re on your way to solving this.

      In my experience thinking hard about my storage needs, I’ve found that as long as I can get decent performance and a bit of redundancy, a solid and tested backup plan can fill in the rest in terms of data safety and integrity.