What is a NAS for? Real Use Cases, Buy vs Build
A Network Attached Storage (NAS) is a small, always-on computer with multiple hard drives dedicated to storing and managing files over your home network. It acts as a centralized storage solution that can be accessed from any device on the network.
One Place for Family Files
Instead of having family photos and documents scattered across multiple devices, a NAS provides a single location where everyone in the household can store and access important files.
Backup Target
Every computer in your home can automatically back up to the NAS using tools like Time Machine (Mac) or Windows Backup. This ensures that critical data is regularly saved in one place.
Media Library
A NAS can serve as a central repository for movies, music, and other media. It often runs software like Jellyfin or Plex, which allow you to stream content from your devices.
Replacing Cloud Subscriptions
You can use the NAS as a personal cloud storage solution with services like Nextcloud or Synology Drive, reducing reliance on paid cloud storage services.
Camera Footage Storage
Security cameras can record directly to the NAS, providing a centralized location for video footage.
Tinkerers' Gateway: Homelab Projects
For those interested in setting up their own home lab, a NAS can be a starting point. It supports running Docker containers and other software, making it an excellent "gateway drug" into more complex homelab projects.
Buy vs Build
Buying a NAS (Synology, QNAP, Ugreen, Asustor)
- Pros: Polished software, low power consumption, easy to set up out of the box, and comes with various apps. These devices are generally more expensive per terabyte but offer less flexibility.
- Cons: Higher cost for storage capacity compared to building your own NAS. Limited by the manufacturer's offerings.
Example: A Synology 2-bay model with two drives is a classic starter setup.
Building Your Own NAS
- Pros: Cheaper overall, more flexible, and uses parts you already have. You become the tech support.
- Cons: Requires technical expertise to set up and maintain. No built-in apps or user-friendly software.
Example: Using an old PC with TrueNAS, UNRAID, or OpenMediaVault for a cost-effective solution.
Raspberry Pi NAS
- Pros: Fun learning project and a good first experiment.
- Cons: Limited by USB attached storage, only gigabit network speed, and no built-in drive redundancy. Not suitable as the family's primary backup solution.
Example: Running OpenMediaVault on a Raspberry Pi with USB drives for basic file storage.
The Drive Math
NAS drives are specifically designed for 24/7 use, such as WD Red Plus or Seagate IronWolf models. RAID configurations like mirroring or parity can protect against drive failures but not against data deletion, ransomware, or physical damage: backups are essential.
Power Consumption
An always-on NAS consumes power continuously. For example:
- A 30W NAS at $0.14/kWh costs approximately $3-4 per month.
- An old gaming PC using as a NAS can consume over 100W, costing around $10+ per month.
In some cases, purchasing an efficient NAS might pay for itself in the long run due to lower power consumption.
Ballpark power numbers to plan around: a diskless 2-bay NAS appliance idles around 10–15W, each spinning drive adds roughly 5–8W, so a populated 2-bay lands near 20–30W — about $2–4 a month at typical US electricity rates. A repurposed gaming PC doing the same job commonly idles at 80–120W, or $10+ a month, which is why an efficient purpose-built box can genuinely pay for itself over a few years.