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Go to SolutionWhy does 12TB NL-SAS RAID5 require 7 drives in Dynamic Pool?
Hello,
I have a question regarding the minimum number of NL-SAS drives required.
I am currently studying sizing configurations using the Midrange Sizer tool. I noticed that when configuring a Dynamic Pool, 4TB and 6TB NL-SAS drives can be configured as RAID 5 with 6 drives, but 12TB NL-SAS RAID 5 requires 7 drives.
If anyone knows why 12TB NL-SAS requires a 7-drive configuration, I would appreciate your advice or explanation.
Thank you.
DELL-Sam L
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Posted May 8th, 2026 16:32
Hello frey_ksg,
Which unity system were you look at in the midrange sizer tool as you didn’t list that in your post?
Hello DELL-Sam L,
Thank you for your reply.
We used the Unity XT 380 in the Midrange Sizer tool.
When configuring 12TB NL-SAS drives with RAID 5 using 6 drives, the following warning message appears:
"Minimum drive count alert"
"The minimum required amount for the following drives has not been satisfied:
- At least 7 of 12TB 7.2K NL-SAS"
However, when using 6TB or 4TB NL-SAS drives, the configuration can proceed without this warning message.
Thank you.
DELL-Sam L
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Posted May 11th, 2026 13:56
Hello frey_ksg,
With drives that are larger that 6tb the requirements do change for raid creation. The error you are getting is correct as with 12tb drives you need a minimum of 7 drives due to bus and system requirements. If you only have space for 6 drives then you will either need to use smaller drives or change raid type.