CRYPTOCURRENCY

Ethereum: Keeping old blocks on an external hard drive and latest blocks on an SSD

Posted on by wear

Optimizing Ethereum Block Storage: Storing the Latest Blocks on an External Hard Drive

When it comes to optimizing Ethereum block storage, two popular options are using an external hard drive without an SSD (Solid State Drive) versus storing the latest 512 MB blocks on an SSD. In this article, we’ll explore whether you can strike a balance between these two approaches and discuss how pruning can help you.

What is pruning?

Pruning is a technique used to optimize block storage by removing older blocks that are no longer needed or relevant to the current state of the blockchain. It helps reduce the size of an external hard drive while keeping as much information as possible intact.

Can you store the last 512 MB on an external SSD and store the rest on an external drive without an SSD?

Yes, it is technically possible to use an external SSD to store the latest blocks (less than 512 MB) and older blocks on a separate external hard drive without an SSD. However, there are some caveats to consider.

Advantages of this approach:

  • Cost efficiency: Storing fewer blocks on external non-SSDs can save costs, especially if you are storing multiple nodes or using decentralized applications (dApps).
  • Reduced heat generation: Using a smaller SSD for newer blocks and a larger SSD for older blocks can potentially reduce heat generation, which can be helpful for device thermal management.

Challenges:

  • Storage limitations: You will need to balance the size of your external non-SSD drive with the amount of storage needed to store the last 512MB.
  • Data consistency: Ensure that any pruning or backup process is performed in a way that preserves data integrity and does not compromise the overall state of the blockchain.

Pruning: A Possible Solution

You can use a combination of tools to prune older blocks, such as:

  • Etherscan’s Pruning Tool: This tool allows you to prune old blocks efficiently based on their timestamp.
  • Trunking in Tangle.js: While this library is not specifically designed for Ethereum, it provides a way to prune and filter data.

To implement pruning in your setup, you will need:

  • An external SSD with enough space to store the most recent 512MB.
  • A separate external hard drive without an SSD with enough storage for older blocks (e.g., around 1GB to 4GB).
  • Pruning software or libraries that can handle your specific use case.

Conclusion

While it is possible to store the last 512MB on an external SSD and the rest on an external hard drive without an SSD, there are significant issues to consider, such as storage limitations and data consistency issues. If you are willing to invest the time to implement pruning software or a library, this approach may be possible. However, for most users, storing the latest blocks entirely on the SSD is probably a more convenient and efficient solution.

Note

: This article is intended to provide guidance, not definitive instructions. Before attempting any pruning process, make sure you have a good understanding of blockchain fundamentals, pruning concepts, and the specifics of your local environment.

Are you ready to start pruning or want some advice on how to get started?

wear