Re: Cheap NAS
On Thu, 13 Oct 2022 18:38:54 -0400
Dan Ritter <dsr@randomstring.org> wrote:
> paulf@quillandmouse.com wrote:
> > On Thu, 13 Oct 2022 16:10:46 -0400
> > Dan Ritter <dsr@randomstring.org> wrote:
> >
> > > paulf@quillandmouse.com wrote:
> > > > Folks:
> > > >
> > > > This has likely already been covered, but I don't know a way to
> > > > search the archives for it.
> > > >
> > > > I'm interested in a desktop NAS with maybe 4 bays, which works
> > > > with Linux (and free software), isn't hugely expensive, and is
> > > > *not* a PC (you could do a NAS with a PC).
> > > >
> > > > Any suggestions would be helpful.
> > >
> > > What does "cheap" mean to you?
> >
> > $200 to $300 would be nice, but the cheaper the better. Some of the
> > more well known NASes cost $500 to $1000, which is excessive for a
> > box with CPU and some drive bays.
> >
> > >
> > > What does "not a PC" mean to you, and why?
> > >
> >
> > The power and space requirements for even a mini-tower case are
> > excessive for this application. A NUC form factor would work, but
> > they don't have four or more SATA ports.
> >
> > Actually, the most important requirement is that I can install my
> > own Linux OS on it, rather than put up with some proprietary NAS
> > software.
>
> So what you actually want is the smallest possible system that
> will hold 4x3.5" disks and get that through a gigabit NIC, for
> less than $300.
Well, a NAS with removable bays is pretty sexy IMO. But by the looks of
units made for that purpose, the expense seems a bit excessive.
>
> You should look for a used HP Microserver. A sufficiently old,
> beat-up unit will easily fit into your desires for space and
> money.
>
Yikes, those are expensive new. E-Bay prices are much more reasonable.
> However, you won't be able to repair much if it goes wrong, and
> the power supply is the first thing to go.
>
> In the alternative: here's https://pcpartpicker.com/list/fzq49r
>
> - $255 plus RAM and disks. You can get 16GB and still fit under
> $300.
> - 2 core Intel Celeron, will run Debian nicely (or FreeNAS, or
> whatever.)
> - Cooler Master 130 mini-ITX case is as small as you can get and
> still fit 4 disks. In this instance, 1 x 2.5", 3x 3.5" and a 5.25"
> slot that will fit a fourth 3.5" disk with a $4 adapter.
> 15.7" x 9.5" x 8.2"
>
Thanks for the link. It's a place to start. I like the case a lot.
Incidentally, the ultimate purpose for this rig is about a thousand
DVDs and Blu-rays. Otherwise, I have no need for this kind of capacity.
Paul
--
Paul M. Foster
Personal Blog: http://noferblatz.com
Company Site: http://quillandmouse.com
Software Projects: https://gitlab.com/paulmfoster
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