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I'm interested in using zfs with usb drives for storage on a linux desktop machine. I already have a lot of large external drives so this will be cheaper than buying new internal drives. I might have to use a usb hub to connect the usb drives. Does using zfs with (mirrored) usb drives have any drawbacks except speed? I'm first and foremost interested in any issue that may negate the data integrity benefits of zfs but comments on other potential issues would also be appreciated.

EDIT: I found a potential issue.

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    Note an answer per se, but something to be wary of. You say "Linux desktop machine". Most desktop systems have non-ECC RAM, which can lead to total data loss when combined with ZFS (particularly its self-healing functionality). This is not just theoretical; it actually happens to people. If you are going to use ZFS then make sure you have ECC RAM installed and working. ZFS can work in non-ECC RAM, but in such a setup, the failure mode is catastrophic.
    – user
    Mar 15, 2015 at 22:08

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http://code.google.com/p/maczfs/wiki/GettingStarted "Be aware of issues inherent in USB and avoid it wherever possible, or be careful."

This is for maczfs, I assume this is also the case is for zfs on other OSs. In other words, yes there seems to be serious drawbacks/risks you're exposed to when using usb drives with zfs.

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