Comparison Thick vs Thin Provisioning
Here you will find out:
- what is thick provisioning
- what is the difference between thick and thin provisioning
- how DiskInternals can help you
Are you ready? Let's read!
What is thick provisioning?
This is the provisioning of VMDK disks, the size of which is predetermined during disk creation and does not change during the process of filling it with data.
At the same time, there are a couple of varieties of this view with their own characteristics:
- Lazy zeroed thick disks. It is clear that the size is set initially, while the blocks remain with past information. This past information on the disk needs to be "zeroed out", so space can be used again. We can conclude that this subspecies of disk representation is quite safe for itself. However, it should be borne in mind that when you first access the block due to the release of space, you may encounter a decrease in the read or write speed. With the further operation of the blocks, there will be no more stumbling. Eager zeroed thick disks. Here you will encounter a situation when all the information will be cleared upon initial contact with the unit. Naturally, this will take a lot of time, but the subsequent performance will please you.
- Eager zeroed thick disks. Here you will encounter a situation when all the information will be cleared upon initial contact with the unit. Naturally, this will take a lot of time, but the subsequent performance will please you. Eager zeroed thick provisioning supports fault tolerance feature.
Example of thick provisioning
If there is a disk, for example, 500GB, it is designated as active and any other server will not be able to use free space, even if there is enough of it. But if the disk has 500 GB of memory and 10 GB is used, it will be displayed as 500 GB are using.
Thick provisioning: pros and cons
Typically, disks with this representation are minimal in size, but can grow as they fill up with data to the allocated size. The disk size can vary according to your needs; that is, if there is not enough space, you can increase it. It should also be understood that performance will often be poor here and perhaps it will be too slow for you. This is due to an imperfect free space accounting mechanism.
As you can see, there are many enormous differences between thin provisioning and thick provisioning, but both options have their uses.
Thin vs thick provisioning in VMware: summary differences
The main and fundamental difference between thick and thin provisioning is a storage mechanism: with thick provisioning, it immediately stores the file, while thin provisioning places the file in temporary storage while recording.
Thin vs thick provisioning: data recovery differences
Fortunately, when recovering data, there is no difference between the two types.
You just need to have DiskInternals VMFS Recovery on your computer, and preferably in a visible place. This professional application is aimed at restoring VMFS and reading and restoring VMDK files. DiskInternals VMFS Recovery has earned the trust of not only IT professionals, but also forensic experts due to its excellent work for more than 15 years. All data is restored in real time without needing to turn off the VM. The Recovery Wizard will guide you through the process and minimize your having to do file recovery yourself.
Be sure to read the instructions for this software:
Download the application and install it on your PC.
Connect via SSH, if required.
Then open the local drive or SSH.
Next scan, then find the necessary VMDK files.
Mounting a VMDK file is the next step. Then open this VMDK file by double-clicking the left mouse button.
Further, you can preview files for free.
The last stage is purchasing a license to complete the export of data to the desired drive. This action is absolutely safe and is performed directly on the application’s website.