Home storage options?

[Chry]

Hi guys, I am looking for a home storage option. I only need 2Tb storage and my priorities are:
1. Local.
2. Must have backup, so at least 2x 2Tb disks.
3. Not too expensive.
4. Easy to access.

I imagine using USB storage would be easiest? Though how would I go about storing data in two such disks? Just upload files to two disks one after the other each time? Could be an option! Anything better?
I've literally never had any decent storage solutions. I know some people use NAS - are there any advantages there for home use?

 

[HansBKK]

A NAS simply facilitates multiple devices accessing the same filestore aka a file server.

So only you can decide if the added cost is worthwhile, as opposed to sneakernet, swapping say a USB enclosure between devices.

For backups, I would look for a dual-drive enclosure that allows for fast "image cloning", or maybe using file-level sync'ing, but that gets more complex, depends on the OS platforms involved.

Keep rotating the drives, at least two onsite and one offsite.

Less automation simpler the better, rely on your own self-discipline, you snooze you lose.

 

[Chry]

A NAS simply facilitates multiple devices accessing the same filestore aka a file server.

So only you can decide if the added cost is worthwhile, as opposed to sneakernet, swapping say a USB enclosure between devices.

For backups, I would look for a dual-drive enclosure that allows for fast "image cloning", or maybe using file-level sync'ing, but that gets more complex, depends on the OS platforms involved.

Keep rotating the drives, at least two onsite and one offsite.

Less automation simpler the better, rely on your own self-discipline, you snooze you lose.

Thank you! I don't think I need a NAS. I guess I'll simply use two external USB4 2Tb SSDs?

Thank you! I don't think I need a NAS. I guess I'll simply use two external USB4 2Tb SSDs?

Could use one to update constantly and the other one once monthly or more often if necessary (copy from the main used external SSD)

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
Saw some western digital blue 2.5" sata ssd the other day pretty cheap

https://www.amazon.com/Blue-NAND-2TB-SSD-WDS200T2B0A/dp/B073SBRHH6?th=1

Icy dock

https://www.amazon.com/ICY-DOCK-Rugged-HotSwap-Backplane/dp/B009I87Q2U?th=1

 

[hat]

If you don't need storage that you can easily access from any computer on your network, consider getting a 2TB internal HDD (they're cheap and can be had for less than $50) and then another 2TB external for your backup.

 

[Chry]

Thanks guys, I thought there may be some new comfortable solutions but it seems I'll just use the manual backup method instead.
After all, my usage and needs are quite simple.

 

[hat]

Really that's about all I know how to do for a backup. You can get two 2TB HDD and use them in RAID1. One drive will mirror the other. But that's not a backup, it is data redundancy. You can survive a drive failure, but you won't survive something worse happening to that computer, like a big power surge.

 

[1freedude]

Take a look here for ideas

What's your backup strategy?

Data is becoming more and more important. Do you perform backups of your files? In an automated way, or just a manual copy from time to time. How do you feel about storing backups in the cloud? Thanks @1freedude for the poll idea

www.techpowerup.com

 

[ThrashZone]

Thanks guys, I thought there may be some new comfortable solutions but it seems I'll just use the manual backup method instead.
After all, my usage and needs are quite simple.

Hi,
There is a difference between backup and everyday storage
Amazon link there were also 1tb blues ssd's for 55.us great for everyday storage
Backup for the operating system
System image storage this is another noodle where hard drives are still a great/ cheap option and can usually save you from starting over having to reinstall windows one day.
Hard drives are even cheaper.

 

[unwind-protect]

Why would you want SSDs for backup?

 

[droid-I]

So far here manged backup with a 1TB external USB drive, though had to replace the HDD due to cable "across the table, dropped on the floor" accident.
Fortunately still had stuff on other PC internal drives so could recover data .

 

[unwind-protect]

External and/or USB drives are not the safest:
- as said, they can fall
- USB cables are easy to touch so that there is an interruption, error recovery sucks compared to SATA or SAS
- you need a power supply, and the ones coming from drives and USB hubs are low quality

Your data is much safer on an ethernet-connected computer with internal drives and a high quality ATX power supply, ideally using ECC memory.

 

[droid-I]

Think ECC memory might be a bit overkill in home use. But yes, my external 1TB HDD drive has its own power feed from the wall socket. ( I should actually try if it still spins).

 

[Chry]

Why would you want SSDs for backup?

had to replace the HDD due to cable "across the table, dropped on the floor" accident.

That's why.

 

[hat]

Not sure SSD would be the best option for long term storage. Those flash cells have to be powered up every so often, or the data can be corrupted/lost. It's also quite expensive compared to HDD...

 

[Lei]

@Chry
I would get one of them as hdd 5400rpm if you're concerned about noise.
Besides you can take backup and then unplug it if noise bothers you.

Way cheaper, way more storage.