Which data retention method is stored with a minimal amount of metadata storage with the content?

The choice of block-based data retention method stands out because it efficiently stores data in fixed-sized blocks, which allows for minimal metadata storage alongside the actual content. In a block storage system, the data is segmented into distinct units, and only the necessary information to manage these units is maintained as metadata. This reduces the overhead associated with metadata, making block storage efficient in terms of both performance and resource usage.

In contrast, file systems and object-based storage inherently require more metadata to manage files and objects effectively. File systems maintain detailed information about directories, permissions, and file attributes, while object-based storage systems store rich metadata with each object to provide additional context and management capabilities. Redundant array configurations, while improving redundancy and performance, also carry metadata for managing the array's integrity and configuration.

Therefore, block-based storage is specifically designed for cases where efficiency with minimal metadata is crucial, making it the most suitable option for this question.