{
  "id": 18030193,
  "title": "Prebuilt NAS boxes are underpowered for the price, so I built one with a desktop CPU instead",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/03/prebuilt-nas-boxes-are-underpowered-for-the-price-so-i-built-one-with",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-11-03T22:00:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "XDA Developers",
    "slug": "xda-developers",
    "url": "https://www.xda-developers.com/xdb-build-nas-that-could-replace-a-prebuilt/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.\n\nDIY 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.",
  "summary": "Our fancy new tool can tell you precisely what you require for storing data.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}