I have for a while a ubuntu server where I selfhost for my household syncthing (automatic backup of most important files on devices), baïkal, magic mirror and a few other things via docker.

I was looking at what I have now (leftovers of a computer of mine, amd 2600 with 16 gb ram with a 1660 super and a western digital blue ssd of 512GB), and regarding storage wise, at the time I decided to get several sort of cheap ssd’s to have enough initial space (made a logical volume out of 3 crucial mx500 1TB, in total making 3TB). At the time I though I wanted to avoid regular hdd at all costs (knew people who had issues with it), but in hindsight, I never worked with NAS drives, so my fear over these hdd with such low usage is sort of uncalled for.

So now I am trying to understand what can I change this setup so I can expand later if needed, but also having a bit more space already (for the personal stuff I have around 1.5TB of data) and add a bit more resilience in case something happens. Another goal is to try to make a 3-2-1 backup kind of solution (starting with the setup at home, with an external disk already and later a remote backup location). Also, I will probably decommission for now the ssd’s since I want to avoid to have a logical volumes (something happens on one drive, and puff all the data goes away). So my questions regarding this are:

• For hdd’s to be used as long term storage, what is usually the rule of thumb? Are there any recommendations on what drives are usually better for this?
• Considering this is going to store personal documents and photos, is RAID a must in your opinion? And if so, which configuration?
• And in case RAID would be required, is ubuntu server good enough for this? or using something such as unraid is a must?
• I was thinking of probably trying to sell the 1660 super while it has some market value. However, I was never able to have the server completely headless. Is there a way to make this happen with a msi tomahawk b450? Or is only possible with an APU (such as 5600g)?

Thanks in advance

PS: If you guys find any glaring issues with my setup and know a tip or two, please share them so I can also understand better this selfhosted landscape :)