Do you RETIRE your hard drives at a specific point? - GoFuckYourself.com

rowan · 09-13-2007, 12:54 PM

Do you give your hard drives a finite lifetime and unconditionally replace them by a certain date (say, the end of the manufacturer's warranty), or just wait until they fail?

I have a RAID5 array so it's redundant - one drive failing will not lose any data - but I'm not sure about twiddling my thumbs until the drives fail. By then you probably won't even be able to buy a 300GB drive anyway.

Thoughts?

RP Fade · 09-13-2007, 12:57 PM

I run daily backups on my essential drives until it dies.

Violetta · 09-13-2007, 12:59 PM

I usually change when I buy new computers. Every 3-5 years I would say!

rowan · 09-13-2007, 01:01 PM

The other thing to consider is the need for increased space. My RAID5 array totals about 850GB in size, 5 years ago I wouldn't have dreamed (or needed) this sort of space. I may end up replacing the drives before I need to.

Stephen · 09-13-2007, 01:27 PM

I run a RAID0 setup, which isn't as 'data safe' as other setups, but I tend to replace my boxes long before any components wear out. The old drives? I use them for data backup.

rowan · 09-13-2007, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stephen

The old drives? I use them for data backup.

Isn't that a bit like acquiring a 30 year old van to use as an ambulance?

mistergardener · 09-13-2007, 02:17 PM

I only let them retire once they crash.

ServerGenius · 09-13-2007, 02:23 PM

I use servers for a max life span in a live environment of 3 years. I only replace
hard drives if they die before that.

09-13-2007, 12:54 PM	#1
rowan Too lazy to set a custom title Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Australia Posts: 17,393	Do you RETIRE your hard drives at a specific point? Do you give your hard drives a finite lifetime and unconditionally replace them by a certain date (say, the end of the manufacturer's warranty), or just wait until they fail? I have a RAID5 array so it's redundant - one drive failing will not lose any data - but I'm not sure about twiddling my thumbs until the drives fail. By then you probably won't even be able to buy a 300GB drive anyway. Thoughts?

09-13-2007, 12:57 PM	#2
RP Fade Confirmed User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 3,343	I run daily backups on my essential drives until it dies. __________________ HomemadeCash.com - Homemade & GF sites powered by NScash.com HomemadeVideoPass.com - The only all homemade mega site OurHomemadePorno.com - Real couples fucking on camera Contact ICQ: 400-786-531 Email: fade AT nscash.com

09-13-2007, 12:59 PM	#3
Violetta Affiliate Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 28,735	I usually change when I buy new computers. Every 3-5 years I would say! __________________ M&A Queen

09-13-2007, 02:17 PM	#7
mistergardener Confirmed User Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 746	I only let them retire once they crash. __________________

09-13-2007, 02:23 PM	#8
ServerGenius Confirmed User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Amsterdam Posts: 9,377	I use servers for a max life span in a live environment of 3 years. I only replace hard drives if they die before that. __________________ \| http://www.sinnerscash.com/ \| ICQ: 370820 \| Skype: SinnersCash \| AdultWhosWho \|

09-13-2007, 01:01 PM	#4
rowan Too lazy to set a custom title Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Australia Posts: 17,393	The other thing to consider is the need for increased space. My RAID5 array totals about 850GB in size, 5 years ago I wouldn't have dreamed (or needed) this sort of space. I may end up replacing the drives before I need to.

09-13-2007, 01:27 PM	#5
Stephen Consigliere Industry Role: Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 1,771	I run a RAID0 setup, which isn't as 'data safe' as other setups, but I tend to replace my boxes long before any components wear out. The old drives? I use them for data backup.