Re: Cheap NAS
On 10/13/22 12:23, 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.
On 10/13/22 14:34, paulf@quillandmouse.com wrote:
> $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.
> 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.
On 10/13/22 14:38, paulf@quillandmouse.com wrote:
> Location: U.S.
On 10/13/22 17:00, paulf@quillandmouse.com wrote:
> On Thu, 13 Oct 2022 18:38:54 -0400
>> 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.
Compact and quiet barebone NAS's and HTPC's have premium prices:
https://www.truenas.com/truenas-mini/
Used entry-level servers with internally cabled drives have the
advantages of low price, server chipsets, server processors, and ECC
memory. A key disadvantage is their noise. My Dell PowerEdge T30 SOHO
file server has variable speed fans, which are quiet when the machine is
idle or lightly loaded. But the 3.5" SATA HDD's snap into plastic
trays, and the trays snap into steel bays in the steel chassis. Every
time a HDD is accessed, the entire chassis acts as a sounding board.
The noise is acceptable in an office/ workroom setting, but it is
distracting in a living room or bedroom. I am in process of migrating
the role to a new server (below).
My most recent servers are full tower cases with vibration-isolated HDD
trays, large low-RPM fans, sound-absorbing lining, Platinum efficiency
power supplies, and used server motherboards, CPU's, and ECC memory.
They exceed your size and budget goals, but I love them -- server grade
parts, lots of drive bays, energy efficient, quiet, etc.:
https://www.fractal-design.com/products/cases/define/define-r5/black/
https://www.fractal-design.com/products/power-supplies/ion/ion-2-platinum-660w/black/
https://www.ebay.com/itm/154790316843
David
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