In one embodiment, a node is a member of a cluster having a plurality of nodes, where each node is coupled to one or more storage arrays of solid state drives (SSDs) that serve as main storage. The node executed a storage input/output (I/O) stack having a redundant array of independent disks (RAID) layer that organizes the SSDs within the one or more storage arrays as one or more RAID groups. Configuration information is stored as a cluster database. The configuration information identifies (i) one or more RAID groups associated with an extent store, (ii) SSDs within each RAID group, and (iii) an identification of a node that owns the extent store. The cluster database is stored separate and apart from the main storage.