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How do I Manage Disks Larger Than 2 TB?

Disks larger than 2 TB need a specific configuration to utilize their full capacity in cloud environments. Traditional Master Boot Record (MBR) partitioning supports only up to 2 TB, which can result in errors or partial disk recognition. Using GUID Partition Table (GPT) partitioning along with a suitable filesystem ensures optimal performance, reliability, and compatibility.

Attaching a Disk Larger Than 2 TB​

To attach a disk larger than 2 TB to an Instance in the cloud console, follow these steps:

  1. Navigate to the Storage/Disks section.
  2. Click + ADD DISK and select a disk size larger than 2 TB.
  3. Attach the disk to your desired Instance.
  4. Confirm the disk attachment before proceeding to partitioning.

Partitioning the Disk​

To partition a disk larger than 2 TB and make its full capacity available in the instance, follow these steps:

  1. Open the disk management tool in your Instance.
  2. Select the newly attached disk.
  3. Choose GPT Partition Table (instead of MBR).
  4. Create a new partition on the disk.
  5. Verify the entire disk capacity is detected.

Formatting the Disk​

To format the disk, follow these steps:

  1. Select the partition you created.
  2. Choose your filesystem (XFS or ext4).
  3. Format the disk.
  4. Confirm the disk is mounted and accessible.
note

To format a disk after partitioning using the following recommended filesystem: Extended File System (XFS): Best choice for performance and reliability on large volumes. Fourth Extended File System (ext4): Alternative option if compatibility is required.