Backups, RAID and ZFS

Choosing a NAS: Ready-Made or Self-Built

A NAS (Network Attached Storage) is a small server that stores and shares files with all devices in your home: photos, movies, documents, and backups. You have access everywhere, without needing to leave a computer running. There are two ways to get one.

Option 1: a ready-made NAS

Brands like Synology and QNAP sell a complete device with drive bays, operating system, and apps. You slide drives in and follow an installation wizard.

  • Advantages: simple, good support and updates, neat apps for photos and backups, energy-efficient and often quiet.
  • Disadvantages: more expensive for what you get in hardware, less freedom, and you’re tied to the brand’s capabilities.

Option 2: build your own

You use your own computer or mini PC with drives in it and install NAS software. Popular and free:

  • TrueNAS: built around ZFS, with lots of protection for your files. Can also run apps and virtual machines.
  • OpenMediaVault: simpler, based on Debian. Lightweight and good for beginners with a small setup.
  • Unraid: paid, but you can use drives of different sizes together and expand later.
  • Advantages: cheaper if you already have a computer, fully customizable, and you can also run your Docker programs on it.
  • Disadvantages: you have to maintain it yourself, and it often consumes more power than a ready-made NAS.

What should you look for?

  • Number of drive bays. Two is the minimum for protection (a mirror); four gives room to grow. Read how RAID and ZFS work.
  • Network speed. Gigabit (1 Gbit/s) reaches about 110 MB/s, enough for movies and photos. 2.5 Gbit/s is nice for large files. Calculate it with our download time tool.
  • Processor and memory. For files only, little is needed. If you also want to run Plex, Jellyfin, or Docker, choose a stronger processor and at least 8 GB of memory.
  • Power consumption. A NAS runs all day. A setup with two drives easily uses 15 to 25 watts. Calculate the annual costs with our power cost calculator.
  • Noise. Drives and fans make noise. Don’t put it next to your bed.
  • Backup. A NAS protects against a broken drive, not against a burglary, fire, or deleted files. See backups with the 3-2-1 rule.

My choice in short

  • You just want it to work: a ready-made NAS with two drive bays.
  • You enjoy tinkering: a mini PC or old PC with OpenMediaVault or TrueNAS.
  • You already have a Raspberry Pi or mini PC: start with a USB drive and share files with Samba.