Re: migrating: degrade or grow

[michael@xxxxxxxxx]

Quoting Dexter Filmore <Dexter.Filmore@xxxxxx>:

> current situation:
>
> machine with 8 sata ports, currently 4 disks in raid5.
> new array is gonna be 5 disks.
>
> now the question is: pluck one drive, let the array degrade and move data as
> fast as possible to the new array?
> Or: build new array with 4 drivers, then pull old array and grow new array to
> 5 drives?

Sounds like your new 5 disk array will have brand new disks? and larger?

If your filesystem allows, you could also just add your new disks in,  
one at a time. (assuming your running software raid)
Once all your new disks have been inserted one at a time, you then  
grow your raid array to fill up the un used space, and then, you grow  
your filesystem to fill up the un used space.
Takes a long time, and becomes more tricky if your array is mounted on  
/ because then you need to use a rescue disk, or boot CD to modify  
your / system.

Building your new array degraded with 4 disks, copying data, and then  
adding 5th disk sounds like it might be the easiest. Nice that you  
have the 8 controllers to play with.

Cheers,
Mike
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