>> Based on input from everyone here I am thinking of an alternate setup. >> Single small inexpensive 64GB SSD used as /boot, / and swap. Putting >> /vz on software RAID1 array on the two 4TB drives. I can likely just >> zip tie the SSD in the 1u case somewhere since I have no more drive >> bays. Does this seem like a better layout? > > As long as you have duplicate SSD as backup and regularly backup /boot > to that other SSD, it should be OK. Loosing SSD and /boot with new > kernels would be a mayor problem for you, you would need to recreate them. I am thinking I will not have much I/O traffic on the SSD hopefully extending its lifespan. If it dies I will just need to reinstall Centos on a replacement SSD. My critical files will be in /vz that I need backup on and I think RAID1 will give me double read speed on that array. Trying to balance cost/performance/redundancy here.