Skip to main content

USB Flash Drives RAID 0 on Linux - Pair of SanDisk Ultra 32gb CZ48 USB 3.0

I was able to create a Linux RAID 0 Array with two (2) SanDisk 32gb Ultra USB 3.0 Flash Drives.  I opted for RAID 0 - Striping as it would give me one logical 64gb Drive with theoretically 'double' the speed.



Due to the Linux Test Machine having only USB 2.0 ports, the theoretical max it could achieve is limited by USB 2.0 max speed of 480mbits/sec (roughly 60mb/sec).  Initial test of Single USB Flash Drive -- 30mb/sec Read Speed.


Create RAID 0
I installed mdadm.  It was conveniently located in the Ubuntu Software Center.  Reviewed other users guides and none worked exactly as described, but after reviewing each one, I was able to piece together the necessary terminal commands and steps to take.

Steps Taken:
  1. sudo -s
  2. Enter Admin Password
  3. mdadm -Cv /dev/md0 -l0 -n2 /dev/sdc /dev/sdd
  4. mke2fs /dev/md0
  5. mount /dev/md0 /mnt/samsung
I had to also mess around in disks to get things to work.  And then renamed the Lost+Found folder to 'USB Files' as that was only folder that allowed me to edit data on the new RAID Array.

End Result - Yes it's faster
It did improve speeds by 50% on READ to 46mb/sec.  This might be the most I can expect on USB 2.0 ports and perhaps on a USB 3.0 machine I could see some serious boost.  I was experiencing about 75mb/sec READ on a Windows PC w/ USB 3.0 ports and perhaps it would enjoy 150mb/sec + if that were a Linux machine!



The plus-side, I now have a logical 64gb USB Flash Drive and don't feel 'as bad' in buying two (2) 32gb drives...when I should have gotten another bad-ass 64gb CZ80 Extreme.  To make it even better...this running RAID 0 makes it technically faster than the a single CZ80 could have ever been in a USB 2.0 port.  And perhaps make it on par in READ speed at least on a USB 3.0 port.

Is this Practical?  Not Yet.
This isn't practical at the moment.  One technical problem I haven't figured out is how to automatically get the RAID Array identified and mounted properly without having to manually access it in the DISKS utility.  If that were automated and allow the USB Flash Drives to instantly build the RAID Array mount...that be awesome. 



The other downside...the USB Flash Drives must work as a pair and on a Linux Environment that can recognize them.  Maybe that's okay as I'll only use these in the Lab.

Disks Benchmark
I tried the Disks Utility - Benchmark and it gave me results of 70mb/sec READ and 20mb/sec WRITE.  I'm skeptical of the READ speed as I was only able to get at most 54mb/sec, but the WRITE speed seems reasonable and I did observe that on actual file transfers.


Another possibility of why I'm not observing 70mb/sec READ speeds is maybe the laptop's HDD is the bottleneck?  The WD 250gb HDD is giving me about 47mb/sec which is what I was observing in the data transfer from the RAID USB's.


And for comparison...I also did a Benchmark of a single USB Flash Drive.  The RAID improved the READ speed, however...interestingly the Avg Access Time is better on the single USB Flash Drive vs. the RAID.





Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Sony MDR-ZX100 vs ZX-110 vs ZX310 Series Headphones

Sony ZX Series Headphones Review: A Budget-Friendly Sound Choice If you’re on the hunt for budget-friendly headphones with decent quality, the Sony ZX Series is definitely worth considering. I happen to own several models from the lineup: ZX-100 ZX-110 ZX-310 Let’s dive into how they compare in terms of build quality, cost, specs, sound, and overall value. Build Quality: ZX-310 Takes the Lead The Sony ZX series headphones primarily feature a durable plastic construction. My ZX-100 has lasted over 2½ years, enduring countless tosses into my backpack and car without any issues. However, the lower-end ZX-100 and ZX-110 models have a significant downside: poor-quality earpads. Over time, these earpads disintegrate, leaving vinyl flakes that stick to your hair and ears. The ZX-310, on the other hand, comes with upgraded earpads that don’t suffer from this problem, making them a clear winner in the build department. Cost Comparison: ZX-100/110 Wins for Affordability While the ZX-310 model co
9 comments
Read more

Casio G-Shock 5600 vs 6900 vs 9000

G-Shock Preferences and Favorites After trying out several G-Shock models, I've developed a better sense of the specific features and design elements I appreciate most. While features are always a plus, my main priority is size . Here's how some of the models I've tried stack up. Size Preference: DW-5600 Series For overall size, the DW-5600 series stands out as a favorite due to its compact, comfortable form. It’s slim, lightweight, and fits well on my wrist without being too bulky. Although the 6900 series provides the benefit of a well-placed front illumination button, the 5600 remains the ideal size for everyday wear. Best Compromise: G9000 Mudman Series If I had to choose a balanced option between size, comfort, and functionality, the G9000 Mudman series would be it. The buttons are slightly tough to press, but the layout and form factor resonate with what I prefer in a G-Shock. Despite having different module versions (GLX, G, and DW), I find that these models offe
Post a Comment
Read more

Eton Microlink FR160 Radio -- Sticky Residue

Eton Microlink FR160 Handcrank Radio Review I bought an Eton Microlink FR160 handcrank radio for my emergency kit a few years ago, and it’s been great overall. However, there’s one significant issue I've encountered. Sticky Residue Problem Over time, a sticky residue developed on the radio's external surface, which was driving me nuts. At first, I thought there was something wrong with the device. Solution Fortunately, I researched the problem online and discovered that Eton radios are coated with a substance designed to make them easier to grip. Unfortunately, this coating degrades over time and turns into a sticky mess. To resolve the issue, I used isopropyl alcohol and cotton balls to clean most of the gunk. While some paint may have been lost in the process, at least the radio is no longer sticky.
6 comments
Read more