Choosing Unraid storage for a media workflow

We are often asked to help choose storage for media work. The right system depends on how files move through the business: who edits them, how large they are, where they need to be available and how they are backed up.

Unraid is one option we consider for people who want flexible storage and the ability to run applications on the same machine. This article covers the features and hardware choices that matter to that decision.

Expanding the storage

Unraid lets you add disks to an array over time and use drives of different brands and sizes. That can suit a library that grows gradually, rather than buying all its storage at the start.

The largest data disk cannot exceed the size of the parity disk protecting it. Account for that when planning an upgrade.

A small array with one data disk and one parity disk.

Unraid supports up to two parity disks. Choose the level of drive-failure protection according to the array and your recovery requirements. Parity does not replace a separate backup of important files.

Cache pools and editing performance

Mechanical disks can provide capacity at a lower cost than flash storage, but they may not deliver the performance needed for a particular editing workflow.

A cache pool can hold data on faster storage. Shares can be configured to use the pool, with a scheduled job moving data between storage locations as appropriate to the setup.

A single-device cache pool has no drive-failure redundancy. Choose a redundant layout where needed and keep separate backups. Consider the network connection as well as disk speed when planning to edit files directly from the NAS.

Applications and virtual machines

Unraid can run Docker containers and virtual machines using KVM. That lets the same machine provide services such as backups, media applications and internal tools.

Virtual machines can also use passed-through hardware, including graphics cards where the configuration supports it. Include those workloads when choosing the processor, memory and cooling. A machine that serves files comfortably may struggle when several extra applications compete for its resources.

Limitations to consider

Parity checks can take time on large arrays. The operating system is also installed and licensed to a registered USB storage device, which is another part of the system to account for in recovery planning.

Compare those characteristics with alternatives before choosing. We also use TrueNAS, which takes a different approach to storage layout and data protection.

Hardware choices

Unraid supports a range of x86 hardware. Compatibility alone does not tell you whether an older computer is suitable for a system the business relies on. Consider serviceability, spare parts and the cost of downtime alongside purchase price.

These hardware examples were selected for the 2024 article. Check the exact model specifications and software support before buying.

Minisforum MS-01

The MS-01 models discussed here use 12th or 13th generation Intel CPUs and can support workloads such as media services using Quick Sync transcoding. Memory capacity and the available expansion options affect what else can run alongside storage.

For an all-flash build, use a redundant SSD/NVMe pool rather than assuming the traditional Unraid parity array is the right layout. Unraid's array configuration guidance recommends HDDs for the array and SSD/NVMe drives for pools. Usable capacity depends on the pool layout and redundancy.

The small chassis also limits expansion. Check that the storage and graphics options suit the intended applications, particularly if you want to run local AI workloads.

HPE ProLiant MicroServer

A MicroServer is another option when you need several mechanical drives in a compact enclosure. The four 3.5-inch drive bays provide room for a small array, with the usable capacity depending on how many drives are assigned to parity.

HPE ProLiant MicroServer hardware.

Check the Gen11 specifications for the model you are considering. Remote management and available hardware service plans may matter more to a business than a small saving on the initial build.

Do not assume that a Gen10, Gen10 Plus or Gen11 configuration has the same management and expansion features. The exact unit matters.

A custom build

A custom machine can suit requirements that do not fit a compact system, such as more drive bays, dedicated graphics or heavy transcoding.

The trade-off is responsibility for supporting the whole build. Budget for spares where needed, document the parts and make sure someone can diagnose a failure. Compare that work with the support offered for an assembled server.

Choose around the workflow

Before choosing the hardware, write down how much data you need to store, how it grows, how many people use it at once and how long you can tolerate an outage.

Then plan the storage layout, backups and network around those requirements. Unraid's flexibility can be useful, but the value comes from a configuration that fits the work and can be maintained.

Contact us if you want help comparing storage options for your media workflow.