I just found my old PC from around 2007 and I'm thinking about turning it into a basic NAS to store files for 1-2 users on my home network and possibly use it for IP cameras. I haven't used it since 2021 when it emitted smoke while booting, but I've cleaned everything thoroughly and checked for any visible damage. Right now, it's got an Intel Pentium Dual-Core E2140 and 2GB of DDR2 RAM.
I have a few questions: 1) Is this PC even a viable option for a NAS? 2) Should I test the old power supply (which I suspect caused the smoke) with a more reliable one from my main computer? 3) What's the best operating system for basic NAS functionality?
1 Answer
Honestly, that PC is pretty old. If you're on a budget, you might want to consider upgrading to something more modern. It could be time to recycle it instead of trying to make it work as a NAS.
If I decide to upgrade on a budget, any suggestions on what I should get?