Best options for network attached storage?

C

cbags101

Gawd
Joined
Nov 26, 2006
Messages
751
I am looking to do some NAS on my home network, and I'm wondering what most people do (and what would be best for what I need).

I've looked at just making a file server out of an intel atom bare bones system, but some of these boutique NAS boxes may be just as cost effective for what I want.

I can see some upsides to using a pre-made NAS system (like the LG N2R1D) for $209. It has a linux os already installed, and basically seems like its "plug in and go" with minimal configuration. But, only has 2 drive bays.

If my total budget is less than $500 and looking for 3tb of storage... What does everyone think? Am I overlooking any options?
 
Take a look at Intel SS4200-E. If it fills your needs it's hard to beat pricewise, and it's possible to replace the included software with something else as it's just a standard x86 box.
 
Woah. Thanks for that one. Up to 4 3.5" SATA drives. Nice. That's pretty much exactly what I was looking for. The amount of drives attached was my biggest concern. I am going to do 2x1.5tb drivesm and want room for expansion without having to completely replace drives. And at $200, you really cant beat it.

If anyone else has input, I'd still like to hear it. I'm not completely giving up the bare bones file server idea.
 
cbags101 said:
Woah. Thanks for that one. Up to 4 3.5" SATA drives. Nice. That's pretty much exactly what I was looking for. The amount of drives attached was my biggest concern. I am going to do 2x1.5tb drivesm and want room for expansion without having to completely replace drives. And at $200, you really cant beat it.

If anyone else has input, I'd still like to hear it. I'm not completely giving up the bare bones file server idea.
Click to expand...

Its really nice I have one myself. You can install a different OS on it if you get a PCIe 1x to 16x adapter, or get a serial cable and use the console redirect. I installed openfiler on mine, and set it up as a iSCSI target, and store my backup on it.

Its not the fastest device, but reads about 80MB/s and writes around 45-50MB/s.
 
I got an Intel-branded 945 motherboard on clearance for $50. I picked up an E2160 for $40 and 2GB of DDR2 for $25 here in FS/FT. I already had the case, PSU, and HDD. I picked up a small MicroSD card with USB adapter for $10 and installed FreeNAS on that so I could use the full drive for data only.

Being a regular midtower ATX, I can use large, quiet fans. I literally can't hear it running unless I put my ear inside the open 5.25" drive bays. And if a part dies on it, I can replace it with any compatible standard component. The SS4200-E is pretty nice if that's what you're looking for, but you can build a more powerful/versatile system for around the same price, especially if you have some old parts around. The board I got is actually made for media stuff and can handle a C2Q, so I have a few options if I ever want to repurpose it later.

My biggest issue with the Atom board is that they didn't include gigabit. My BLKDG45ID includes Intel GbE, which would be a $30 card if I had to buy it separately.
 
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