Parts for Custom NAS Server

Custom NAS Server Building

• The community recommends starting with used hardware as it will be cheaper and suggests used mini PCs or desktops to support multiple disks initially.
• Proxmox is highlighted as a great place to start for beginners due to its lightweight virtualization platform and flexibility to run various services.
• Proxmox allows running TrueNAS, Debian, and Ubuntu, offering the chance to experiment and decide what works best.
• Jellyfin is suggested as an alternative to Plex due to concerns about Plex's recent practices.
• Community scripts for Proxmox make it easy to install homelab apps like Plex, Jellyfin, Minecraft servers, etc.
• Old desktops or mini PCs with at least 8GB of RAM are recommended as a starting point, noting the need for GPUs only for Plex hardware transcoding.
• For storage, starting with a couple of 4TB drives in ZFS mirror is advised, with the potential to expand later.

Hardware Recommendations

• A Dell Optiplex in Micro, Ultra Small, or Small Form Factor is suggested for NAS needs with specific storage bay requirements.
• Intel i7 or i9 with at least 6 multithreaded cores, 32GB of RAM, and Proxmox are highlighted for an efficient NAS setup.
• The ZimaBoard 832 is mentioned as a NAS option for linking multiple devices together.
• Hexos with Buddy Backup feature, TrueNAS, and Unraid are highlighted as viable options with user-friendly interfaces for NAS setups.

Alternatives and Suggestions

• Repurposing old hardware or using a mini PC like Lenovo with AMD Ryzen Pro is recommended for beginners.
• Consider starting with basic setups like Ubuntu on a mini PC or using VirtualBox to experiment with VMs if on a budget.
• Guidance is provided on building a simple and cheap test environment using minipc, Ubuntu, Docker, and Docker Composes.

Community Experiences with NAS Solutions

• Users share experiences with Synology and QNAP NAS systems for running Plex, emphasizing the need for Quick Sync support for transcoding.
• Custom NAS setups with QNAP, Synology, and TrueNAS are discussed, highlighting the benefits of NAS software for backups, remote access, and media streaming.
• An integration of Proxmox and Plex is praised for its performance, versatility, and ease of use in managing multiple media services.

Additional Considerations

• Plex Stuttering Fix: Issues with Plex on TVs resolved by upgrading to Amazon 4K Firesticks, hinting at potential device compatibility problems.
• Plex on NAS Article: A valuable Plex support article about NAS devices and limitations is recommended for users considering Plex setups on NAS systems.

By considering various hardware options, software solutions, and community recommendations, users can build a custom NAS server tailored to their specific needs, whether for media streaming, backups, or other homelab purposes.