Backup drives in Mac Pro

[bLiss]

Seeking some advice.

Is there any reason to not put a backup drive in one of the extra bays in the Mac Pro, rather than externally?

Also what's a good rule of thumb for a backup drive's capacity vs. the main drive? Thanks.

EDIT: Read about about having off-site drives in case of fire to answer the first Q. So I might as well be specific about my needs...


For audio recording, I'm looking at:

OS: SSD ~100 GB
Record drive: 1 TB
Samples / Personal Media: 2 TB split into 2.

I am trying to devise an effective backup solution but I'm just learning about RAID, still unsure what would be the best path.

 

[Hellhammer]

I would get at least one external HD, preferably at least 4TB (2x2TB) and use it for offsite backups. However, offsite backup is often not available immediately and you don't update the backup that often so I would also consider another 4TB external (3TB internal might be okay too) and use it for regular backups (keep it pugged in 24/7). That will be available immediately if you need a backup for troubleshooting purposes or you have accidentally deleted a file that you need to get from the backup.

 

[bLiss]

Thanks Hellhammer that sounds like much less of a headache than Raid.

 

[Hellhammer]

Thanks Hellhammer that sounds like much less of a headache than Raid.

I would still put the external drives in RAID 0 so they will show up as one volume. Otherwise you would be left with two (or actually four if you count both externals) separate 2TB volumes which might become an issue when backing up more than 2TB of data. However, RAID 0 is very simple to set up with Disk Utility if the enclosure you buy does not have hardware RAID support.

 

[handheldgames]

I'm running a 2tb Samsung F4EG in bay #4 for that specific reason.. $79 w/ free shipping from newegg.. Silent & efficient, low heat and @ 5400 RPM, it's FASTER than a 1TB WD Black. Best backup decision I ever made. If you need an external solution... I would jump on USB 3.0.

In addition to my time machine... I also mirror data drives with SuperDuper and lock them in a fireproof safe.