DIY NAS: Save on cost and set up a system that suits your budget Self-hosting your data and services with Network Attached Storage (NAS) is a great way to free yourself from subscription fees. Whether it’s backing up your photos or streaming 4K movies, there are a variety of products to choose from, but not all fit every budget.
Building a DIY NAS vs buying off-the-shelf
It’s worth considering what you want from your setup before going the DIY route. A QNAP or Synology NAS is a more straightforward and less time-consuming option. They offer a pre-baked operating system and comprehensive software suites, but can be expensive. On the other hand, a DIY NAS is more involved, both in selecting the hardware and setting up the software, but offers greater processing power at a lower cost.
Selecting the right hardware for a cheap NAS
There are two main ways to build a NAS from scratch – a PC-like dedicated enclosure, or a mini-PC with Direct-Attached-Storage (DAS) bolted on. The latter is a cheaper and simpler option, offering easy upgrade paths.
Tips for installing your DIY NAS software
While installing the software may take some time, beginner-friendly tips can help get you started. Picking an OS for your NAS is important – using a headerless OS such as a Linux distribution is a better fit. OpenMediaVault and TrueNAS Scale are two suitable options for this purpose.
In conclusion, building a cheap DIY NAS offers greater flexibility and processing power, with a cost-saving advantage over off-the-shelf NAS products.