Storage Allocations
All active projects on CARC systems are eligible for a storage allocation on the CARC /project2 file system. Storage allocations are measured using disk space in terabytes (TB) (1 terabyte is equivalent to 1,000 gigabytes (GB)). Each PI receives 10 TB of storage across their project(s) at no cost.
PIs must request storage allocations in the CARC user portal. The default minimum storage allocation size is 5 TB per project.
Storage is not limited to 5 TB and can be increased in increments of 5 TB. The current price is $60/TB/year for every TB above the first free 10 TB. For example, when a PI requires 20 TB total of space, the annual cost for the data storage space will be:
20 TB per year = 10 TB free + (10 x $60/TB/year) = $600 annual cost
All new projects or storage allocation increases will be on /project2 as of January 12, 2025. Existing projects on the old /project file system are allowed to stay on that file system for now. However, we encourage all PIs to consider transferring their projects to /project2 for improved file system performance. Storage allocations above 10 TB currently on /project will remain at the $40/TB/year rate.
Additionally, PIs conducting cryo-EM research at USC are eligible for a designated cryo-EM storage system allocation. This system functions similarly to the project file system and can be requested in the CARC user portal. Storage can be requested in 5 TB increments. Cyro-EM storage space only has a free tier of 10 TB if you do not already have a /project2 storage allocation. The current rate for cryo-EM storage is $40/TB/year. Users can request a decrease in their project storage allocation to offset costs, if needed.
For more information about requesting allocations, see our Request a New Allocation page.