HL8 NAS Follow Up: Rocky Linux + RAIDZ2 After Months of Use

In my first video, I unboxed the 45HomeLabs HL8 NAS from 45Drives and gave you my first impressions. Now it’s time for a follow-up. In this video, I set up the HL8 with four Seagate Exos 20TB drives, configure RAIDZ2 with ZFS using the Houston UI on Rocky Linux, and share what it’s been like running this system for months in my homelab. If you want to see how this open-source NAS really holds up against Synology and QNAP, this is the video to watch. @45Drives @CtrlIQ 45HomeLab HL8: https://store.45homelab.com/configure/hl8 Rocky Linux Supported by CIQ: https://ciq.com/products/rocky-linux/ CompTIA Linux+ Certifcation Course https://youtu.be/qNxuTRCRjoQ Remember to Like, Share, and Subscribe if you enjoyed the video! Also, if you are interested in more Linux content, please consider becoming a channel member so I can continue to produce great content! ✔️RECOMMENDED LINUX BOOKLIST ------------------------------- Linux Pocket Guide: Essential Commands: https://amzn.to/3xGPvsK CompTIA Linux+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide: Exam XK0-004 https://amzn.to/3uQ3wmh 101 Labs - CompTIA Linux+ https://amzn.to/3vtj7rb How Linux Works: What Every Superuser Should Know https://amzn.to/3vrLkOO Linux Bible https://amzn.to/3rwEkPH ✔️SOCIAL NETWORKS ------------------------------- KeepItTechie: https://keepittechie.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KeepItTechie Twitter: https://twitter.com/keepittechie Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepittechie/ Discord: https://discord.gg/RjZWuyd -------------------------------- ✔️RECORDING EQUIPMENT ------------------------------- Insta360 4K Webcam - https://amzn.to/3RddfgZ Rode Procaster Microphone - https://amzn.to/42RSInF RØDE RØDECaster Duo - https://amzn.to/4ct1T1X Cloudlifter CL-1 Mic Activator - https://amzn.to/4ic7BXv Logitech LED Streaming Light - https://amzn.to/4j7Z8FT -------------------------------- 00:00 — Follow-Up Intro & Why the HL8 01:15 — Installing the Seagate Exos 20TB Drives 03:00 — Direct-Wired Backplane & Drive Setup Experience 04:30 — Power-Up, Cooling & First Impressions 06:00 — Rocky Linux & Houston UI Overview 07:15 — Building a ZFS RAIDZ2 Pool 08:30 — Real-World Use: Homelab & Content Creator Workflow 10:10 — Pros, Cons & Final Thoughts