Prebuilt NAS boxes are underpowered for the price, so I built one with a desktop CPU instead
Our fancy new tool can tell you precisely what you require for storing data.
Building a custom network-attached storage (NAS) box can be less complicated than you might think, even with today's soaring PC component prices. This is why we have developed a tool to assist in creating budget-friendly desktop PCs, home servers, and NAS devices. As such, I decided to test this tool and determine if it could construct a NAS capable of storing 5TB of data and running various applications, all while staying under $1,000.
The XDB Builder managed to achieve this, but it only just managed to do so. When removing the 6TB HDD, the NAS build would cost less than $650.
DIY NAS enthusiasts often appreciate the benefits of prebuilt enclosures, such as warranty and support. However, these offerings come at a premium, and customization options are limited. My specific NAS build requires the storage of 5TB of data, as well as the ability to serve as a small home server running several self-hosted applications, including Nextcloud, Jellyfin, Immich, and Mealie.
Prebuilt enclosures typically start at around $400 for a four-bay model with the necessary specifications, but the Intel Core i5-14400 CPU, the powerhouse behind my build, is a must-have for transcoding and other demanding tasks. The ASRock B760M Pro-A/D4 motherboard is an excellent match for the CPU, boasting two full-size PCI slots, four RAM slots, and four SATA III ports.
With the Intel UHD Graphics, an Intel Core i5-14400 CPU, and the addition of two PCI SATA expansion cards, this NAS build is well-equipped to handle virtual machines (VMs) and Linux containers. The only change I made to the original build was replacing the 1TB SSD with an 8TB Seagate IronWolf HDD, which proved to be the most expensive component at $424.
The Fractal Design Define 7 case was chosen for its mid-tower design and HDD bays, though any suitable case will suffice. Allocating 16GB of RAM is a practical choice, but it can be doubled up to 32GB if needed. At around $1,000, this DIY NAS build is a reasonable investment for those seeking a more customizable and cost-effective solution.
However, it is crucial to consider the type of storage used, as standard consumer-grade drives may not be rated for continuous operation. Performing SMART checks on older storage drives is essential before repurposing them for a NAS. While prebuilt enclosures have their place, especially for beginners, the DIY approach offers greater flexibility and potential savings when you're ready to advance your NAS and home server setup.
Written by urgent.news from XDA Developers's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
