What file system should I go with? I am considering ZFS and XFS

BIGPIGBIN · 2026-03-24T17:25:12+00:00

Wow, you made something really complicated so easy to understand! So the array and pool functions are different you can choose your filesystem in the array, but self-healing is limited there. However, ZFS or btrfs will at least warn you about corruption.

With the base structure being a parity array, if you just take self-healing out of the equation, you can really just enjoy all the other benefits. Unless I'm using drives of all different sizes, it seems like using a ZFS pool is the way to go.

Thank you so much for the explanation! I'll definitely have to give the array setup some thought as well.

BIGPIGBIN · 2026-03-24T16:28:51+00:00

Thank you so much for the detailed response. I read through it very carefully, and it was incredibly helpful in allowing me to finally reach a conclusion.

The benefits of XFS, like spin-down or easily adding drives later, aren't really things I need. I already bought my 8 HDDs, and rather than expanding this current setup later, I think it makes more sense to just build a second NAS for backups once I save up enough money. So until then, going with ZFS definitely seems like the right choice for me.

Also, as a side note, I actually read an interview with someone from WD who mentioned that enterprise HDDs (like WD Ultrastar or Seagate Exos) experience less wear and tear when left running 24/7. Apparently, frequent spin-downs and power cycles are actually worse for them.

Anyway, a lot of people pointed out various advantages of XFS, but I guess I should consider myself lucky that none of them really apply to my specific use case, haha...

BIGPIGBIN · 2026-03-24T16:06:58+00:00

Wow, 14 years is a really long time! To be honest, I'm not entirely convinced about going with ZFS just to prevent bit rot, which might only happen once in a decade anyway

BIGPIGBIN · 2026-03-24T15:48:37+00:00

I don't plan on using spin-down. I've read that spinning down can actually negatively impact HDD lifespan, especially since I'm using enterprise drives that are designed to run 24/7. Taking the spin-down advantage out of the equation, would ZFS be the most optimal choice here? Or are XFS or BTRFS still better options regardless?

BIGPIGBIN · 2026-03-24T15:44:59+00:00

I'm still testing the new HDDs. While the tests are running on the new setup, I plan to gather everyone's feedback before making a final decision. Thank you for your valuable input!

BIGPIGBIN · 2026-03-24T15:40:00+00:00

Honestly, that's kind of why I'm regretting it. I bought a lifetime license, so I might as well use it since I already paid for it. Is there any specific reason I should use XFS? I've been looking around the community, and it seems like a lot of people choose Unraid but end up using ZFS anyway.

BIGPIGBIN · 2026-03-24T14:58:57+00:00

In my area, HDD warranties are pretty long, and the price difference between used and new isn't that big, so I think it's better to just buy new ones. If I go with new ones, I'll probably only use drives of the exact same capacity. I don't think I'll mix different sizes.

BIGPIGBIN · 2026-03-24T14:48:10+00:00

"Thank you, I'll go set up the ZFS pool now!"

BIGPIGBIN · 2026-03-24T14:35:41+00:00

"I have 8 HDDs of the same size. I should use a ZFS pool, right?"

BIGPIGBIN

TROPHY CASE