Question Thunderbolt RAID device instead of network NAS

[Xkateman]

Hi all - after running a 10TB(spinning) NAS box for several years I’m considering switching to much faster local storage. I realize I have 0 need for NAS functions with my several Windows machines which each have cloud subscriptions.
What do folks think about Thunderbolt RAID devices, generally - I’m guessing there will be many new options as local storage protocols get refined, and more common in the coming year.

 

[Misgar]

What do folks think about Thunderbolt RAID devices, generally -

The usual question regardless of interface. Why RAID? Is it for additional speed or so-called "security"? RAID will not protect your files from ransomware or accidental deletion.

Thunderbolt is handy for fast localised external storage. What exactly are your storage requirements? 8K video editing? If so, I'd be inclined to forget RAID and just buy a Thunderbolt drive with the required capacity.

If you have Thunderbolt 4 (or even 5) you can move data around at high speed, but a 10G/25G/40G/100G NIC in a NAS (and PCs) would achieve similar speeds (albeit at extra cost).

 

[thestryker]

Since you don't need a NAS that seems like you only need additional storage for one system which would lead me to ask why don't you just increase the storage on that machine?

RAID is generally going to be a bad choice unless you know exactly what you're doing and why.

 

[Xkateman]

The usual question regardless of interface. Why RAID? Is it for additional speed or so-called "security"? RAID will not protect your files from ransomware or accidental deletion.

Thunderbolt is handy for fast localised external storage. What exactly are your storage requirements? 8K video editing? If so, I'd be inclined to forget RAID and just buy a Thunderbolt drive with the required capacity.

If you have Thunderbolt 4 (or even 5) you can move data around at high speed, but a 10G/25G/40G/100G NIC in a NAS (and PCs) would achieve similar speeds (albeit at extra cost).

thanks - Thunderbolt 5 ! and no 8K video, but i do 'pan & scan' old 'square' video sources (; )

 

[Xkateman]

Since you don't need a NAS that seems like you only need additional storage for one system which would lead me to ask why don't you just increase the storage on that machine?

RAID is generally going to be a bad choice unless you know exactly what you're doing and why.

thanks for the input - i really can't say that i "know what i'm doing" but i have admin'd a ~20K user network, hot with massive 1-5GB spinning disks.