Turn Your MINI PC Into A NAS - Terramaster D4-320 USB 3.2 DAS Review

Summary

This video reviews the Teramaster D4-320 USB 3.0 RAID enclosure, focusing on its performance with ZFS in home lab setups. It discusses potential issues with USB storage, especially regarding direct access to drives, but notes the D4-320's effective performance despite these concerns. The lack of an integrated RAID controller is highlighted as a benefit for ZFS, as hardware RAID can complicate compatibility. The video suggests that with careful monitoring and backups, the D4-320 is a solid option for adding external storage to PCs or laptops, but caution is advised due to the risks of using USB for storage in software RAID environments.

Takeaways

• 😀 ZFS is not inherently compatible with USB storage due to its requirement for direct individual drive access, but some devices like the Teramaster D4-320 work well with ZFS through proper bridge designs.
• 😀 ZFS was initially designed for enterprise and data center use, not for home labs, making it more complex to implement with USB storage solutions.
• 😀 USB storage often fails to pass through drives correctly, which can be a significant issue when using ZFS for drive health monitoring and direct access.
• 😀 The Teramaster D4-320 uses the ASM 235 CM USB bridge, which supports serial numbers and SMART data, making it suitable for ZFS in home labs.
• 😀 Some USB storage enclosures do not correctly pass SMART data, which is essential for monitoring the health of drives in a ZFS setup.
• 😀 ZFS requires software RAID solutions, and using hardware RAID (common in some external storage devices) is not recommended, as it could interfere with ZFS’s functionality.
• 😀 The D4-320 does not include a hardware RAID controller, which is a positive for ZFS users as hardware RAID is not necessary for ZFS operations.
• 😀 ZFS and USB interfaces can cause potential issues with data integrity and speed, so users should be cautious and monitor their setups regularly.
• 😀 Teramaster's hardware, particularly the D4-320, is reliable and meets expectations for external storage needs, though USB still poses limitations.
• 😀 While not a NAS device, the D4-320 serves as a good option for adding external storage to PCs or laptops, providing straightforward and cost-effective storage expansion.
• 😀 Using USB storage in home labs with ZFS can work well if precautions like backups and monitoring are in place, but users should be aware of potential risks over time.

Q & A

What is ZFS, and why is it not typically recommended for use with USB storage?

ZFS (Zettabyte File System) is a file system originally designed for enterprise and data center use, not for consumer or USB storage. It requires direct access to individual drives, which many USB devices fail to support properly. This is why USB storage, especially in home setups, can pose challenges when using ZFS.

Why does the D4-320 work well with ZFS despite ZFS being designed for enterprise environments?

The D4-320 works well with ZFS because it allows direct individual access to the drives, which is crucial for ZFS. Additionally, it correctly supports drive serial numbers and allows reading of SMART data, which helps monitor the health of the drives. This makes it compatible for use in a home lab environment.

What are the potential risks of using USB storage with ZFS in a home lab?

The main risks involve the possibility that some USB storage devices may fail to provide direct access to individual drives or may not pass through drives correctly. This could lead to issues like data loss, drive failure, or instability, especially when using software RAID solutions like ZFS.

What is the role of RAID controllers in external storage devices like the D4-320?

RAID controllers are typically used to manage the configuration and redundancy of multiple storage devices. However, for ZFS, a hardware RAID controller is not ideal, as ZFS functions better with software RAID. The D4-320 does not have an integrated RAID controller, which is beneficial for ZFS users since it avoids potential conflicts with hardware RAID.

How does the absence of an integrated RAID controller benefit users of ZFS?

The absence of an integrated RAID controller in the D4-320 is beneficial for ZFS users because ZFS relies on software RAID, not hardware RAID. Hardware RAID can complicate the management and functioning of ZFS, so avoiding it ensures better compatibility and performance for users relying on software RAID solutions.

What issues did the reviewer encounter while using the D4-320 with Windows, and how were they resolved?

The reviewer noted some minor issues with Windows reporting the setup incorrectly, but these were attributed to the USB interface and the bridge chips used in the D4-320. These issues were not deemed significant and were not actual problems with the device itself.

What is the significance of SMART data in the context of using ZFS and the D4-320?

SMART (Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology) data is crucial for monitoring the health of hard drives. ZFS requires the ability to access SMART data to ensure the drives are functioning correctly and to preemptively identify potential failures. The D4-320 allows SMART data to be read, making it a suitable option for use with ZFS.

What are the key factors to consider when using the D4-320 in a home lab?

Key factors include the risks associated with using USB as an interface for storage, ensuring regular monitoring of the drives' health, having proper backups in place, and carefully choosing compatible storage devices. While the D4-320's hardware is solid, the USB interface's potential limitations should be considered.

Is the D4-320 a good option for external storage in a home lab environment?

Yes, the D4-320 appears to be a good option for adding external storage in a home lab, as it works well with ZFS, allows drive monitoring, and avoids complications with hardware RAID. However, it is important to proceed with caution and perform regular checks, especially due to the risks associated with USB storage.

What would be the ideal use case for the D4-320 in a home lab setup?

The ideal use case for the D4-320 in a home lab would be for adding external storage to a PC or a mini-PC, particularly in situations where ZFS or similar software RAID solutions are being used. It is suitable for those who need additional storage without the complexity of a NAS or integrated RAID system.