I recently upgraded to a new PC and want to convert my old one into a Network Attached Storage (NAS) system. Here are the specs of my old PC:
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3600 3.6Ghz
- Motherboard: Gigabyte - B450 AORUS Pro
- RAM: GSkill Ripjaws V 16GB (2x8GB)
- Power Supply: PowerSpec - 650 Watt 80 Plus Bronze ATX
- Video Card: MSI GeForce RTX 2080
- SSD: WD 1TB Blue SN550
- HDD: Seagate 2TB HD
Is this setup sufficient for a NAS? I'm thinking of upgrading the storage but I'm not sure if I should go for another HDD or an SSD. Any suggestions on what I might be missing or if this would be worth the effort? Thanks!
3 Answers
Definitely consider getting a new power supply. The 650W PowerSpec units have a bad reputation for reliability. You don’t want it causing issues that could destroy your hard drives.
Honestly, you might not need anything extra besides what you have. A NAS setup mainly requires a decent amount of storage and a solid network connection. After installing the NAS OS, you could even get rid of the GPU if bandwidth is all you need. Just make sure your case has enough drive bays and proper cooling for whatever additional storage you add. Also, I suggest a three-drive setup to utilize RAID 5 or RAIDZ1 for better redundancy.
What about the case? Shouldn't it have good airflow?
It might be wise to consider upgrading your power supply, especially if electricity costs are high where you live. Plus, if you're not using the graphics card for anything, it’s a good idea to remove it to save on power.
Got any recommendations for a reliable PSU?