If you want ZimaOS primarily as a container server, keep the system SSD focused on the OS, put AppData and important user data on the main RAID, and use a separate scratch disk for downloads or disposable staging. ZimaOS now has a built-in App data location setting that makes this layout much easier than manually relocating every container.
The source user described a sensible three-tier design: 120GB boot SSD, RAID5 for primary data and containers, and a 2TB scratch disk. Current ZimaOS documentation supports that architecture and also provides SMB/LAN Storage for connecting Synology, UGREEN, and other NAS systems.
Recommended Storage Layout
System SSD
└─ ZimaOS + system components
RAID5
├─ AppData
├─ containers' persistent data
├─ documents/media
└─ important shared folders
2TB scratch disk
├─ downloads
├─ temporary transcodes
└─ disposable stagingSet App Data Location to the RAID
The current ZimaOS App Data guide recommends keeping app data off the system disk.
Go to Settings → Apps → App data location and select the RAID-backed storage.
Do Not Put Everything in One AppData Folder
Keep each app's configuration/data in its own persistent directory. Media libraries and downloads can live in separate shared folders so multiple containers can access them consistently.
Use the Scratch Disk for Replaceable Work
Downloads, unpacking, transcodes, cache, and temporary project files are good candidates for the standalone 2TB disk. If the scratch disk fails, you should not lose the only copy of family photos or databases.
Connect Other NAS Systems Through SMB
The current Connect Another NAS guide shows how to add another NAS under Files → Storage → LAN Storage.
Once connected, ZimaOS can copy data across devices or use the remote NAS as part of a backup plan.
For Windows-Style Copy and Paste, Mount SMB on Your PC
If the built-in Files interface is not your preference, you do not have to do daily file management in the browser. Mount ZimaOS and the other NAS shares in Windows File Explorer or macOS Finder and copy/paste between them there.
Current ZimaOS SMB access is designed for exactly that workflow.
Alternative Web File Managers
FileBrowser/ FileBrowser Quantum can provide a different browser UI, but treat it as another Docker application with its own permissions and persistent configuration. It does not replace the underlying ZimaOS storage layer.
Keep Container Paths Consistent
For media and download stacks, use stable container-side paths such as /downloads and /media across related apps. That avoids one app seeing the same host folder under a different path and breaking imports or hardlinks.
RAID5 Is Not Backup
RAID5 protects availability from one disk failure. It does not protect against accidental deletion, ransomware, filesystem corruption, or theft.
The backup strategy guide helps add LAN/USB/cloud copies after the storage layout is stable.
Choose What Belongs on RAID and What Does Not
Persistent databases, application configuration, family files, and anything that would be painful to recreate belong on protected storage. Temporary downloads, unpacking directories, transcode scratch, and caches can use the standalone disk if losing them is acceptable.
Plan Shared Folders Before Installing the App Stack
Create stable folders such as Media, Downloads, Documents, and AppData first. Then point every related container at the same host paths. This is much easier than migrating twenty container paths after the server is already full of data.
Watch Free Space on Every Tier
A nearly empty RAID does not help if the system SSD or scratch disk is full. Monitor the boot disk, AppData location, RAID, and scratch disk independently. Container updates can fail when the system disk is low even while the media array has terabytes free.
FAQ
Should containers live on the boot SSD?
Keep the container engine/system components there if ZimaOS does so, but move persistent AppData to the main storage pool.
Can I use a separate disk just for downloads?
Yes. A scratch disk is a good location for replaceable downloads, cache, and staging files.
Can ZimaOS connect to Synology and UGREEN NAS?
Yes, if those systems expose SMB shares. Add them as LAN Storage in Files.
Do I need the ZimaOS browser file manager?
No for routine desktop file operations. SMB lets you work from Windows Explorer or macOS Finder instead.
