Best configuration for two SATA and single M.2 NVMe (ZFS)

msncookie

New Member
Mar 15, 2025
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Hi all. I've got three PC nodes, each having room for 2 SATA SSDs and one M.2 NVMe. I want to use ZFS replication with consumer SSDs (as it's just a homelab).

To minimize SSD wear, I've read that adding a ZIL device can significantly help with the heavy writes.

Keeping in mind the most intensive thing I'll ever run might be Plex, otherwise just lightweight services, would you recommend:
  • 2 smaller SATAs mirrored pool for OS/Proxmox/ISOs
  • 1 larger M.2 NVMe for VMs
    (this config sounds like SSDs might wear faster)
OR
  • 1 larger SATA (un-mirrored) for everything
  • 1 small-as-possible M.2 NVMe for ZIL (and L2ARC??)
    (this config obviously less redundant)
OR something else? Buying 2 large SATAs across 3 nodes will break my budget. I plan to do backups to a NAS no matter the configuration.

Any advice greatly appreciated!
 
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