Repository Sizing: many small, a few large, or one large

[ChristophS]

Hello community,

i need your knowledge about sizing the repository volumes
we are currently replacing our backup repository storage systems
we currently have 3 IBM storwize v3700 units with 120 TB each
these are assigned to a vbr via hardware proxies as a SOBR. (1 VBR, 3 Proxies each with one 120TB Storage)

the new storage system is a Dell e-series 2860 with 370 TB
Now my question: would you prefer several small volumes e.g. 60 TB or again 3 large volumes of 120 TB? or 1 single big volume?

thank you for your advice
Christoph

[Andreas Neufert]

Hi Christoph,

if the performance is nearly the same, then a single large volume that use ReFS or XFS block cloning is the way to go.

[ChristophS]

Hi Andreas,

so one big volume instead of 3?
ReFS set, we have in all our repositories.

[Andreas Neufert]

Yes, then there is no need for load distribution. If you storage system support this and performance is optimized for it.
Some storage systems work more performant with multiple volumes as the load is spread accross multiple components. But this is more of a question for the storage vendor then for us.