Home Network hardware choices

[Omnius]

Hey folks,

I’m currently using a Mac mini 2011 with an external thunderbolt enclosure to ensure sufficient space. It’s not ideal but it has done the trick for me for several years. I’m backing up DVDs such that I’m going to eventually start crushing my current storage. The old mini has reached a point where it’s facing a lot of software limitations from age.

I happen to have a spare m4 mini with 10gb networking. It could be the engine for a replacement nas. However, when I went to look for newer thunderbolt enclosures, I was pretty floored by the prices for like an 8 bay thunderbolt 3 enclosure. Cheapest one I found was open box for $750 without drives. It’s like $950 to have one in a rack mount form factor.

I’m wondering if I should just build a nas and use a dedicated nas os because that’d be comparable in price. Or maybe I’m totally missing reasonably priced hardware for an enclosure. Also, is something like hex os going to be plug and play with my Apple ecosystem?

I’d love thoughts, insight, advice as I’m torn here.

 

[Weaselboy]

I don't use one myself, but I see a lot of other members here using a Synology NAS for what you described.

Looks like a two bay NAS (diskless) will run you about $300.

 

[Bigwaff]

Without some details regarding your storage capacity needs now and in the future, it's hard to really recommend something for your use case.

 

[Omnius]

I expect to be using like ~20 TB within the next 10 months. I’d like some redundancy.

Aside from storage, my needs are mostly basic server stuff. Plex, backing up family members’ devices locally, the ability to access eufy security cams locally. Some developing smart home needs that I’d rather host locally. Some small business backup needs as well. That appears to have ballooning storage needs over time so room for growth is a bit of a must. I’m also working on integrating more into my home network as my new house is wired for audio really well.

 

[Omnius]

I don't use one myself, but I see a lot of other members here using a Synology NAS for what you described.

Looks like a two bay NAS (diskless) will run you about $300.

I’m really thinking 8 drives would be where I want to be. How friendly are synology’s devices with the Apple ecosystem?

 

[Bigwaff]

I’m really thinking 8 drives would be where I want to be. How friendly are synology’s devices with the Apple ecosystem?

Friendly... but not cheap, even used, especially if you want 8+ bay unit. There are expansion capabilities which might be of interest to you, especially if you are considering rack mount solutions.

 

[Omnius]

Would I be better off buying a used rack mount server and just loading up drives internally? My current set up with a 2011 mini and an older Thunderbay OWC has really been great. It’s not rack mounted but it’s silent, sits on a shelf, and I’ve really not though about it too much over the last decade.

 

[drrich2]

Starting with 2025 models, Synology has been pressuring people to use their branded hard drives, which have met some sort of testing standard and are thought to result in fewer problem calls to Synology...but also to be pricy. There's been a lot of backlash in the home consumer space about this, with people looking at alternative brands.

UGreen is a relative newcomer that's come on STRONG, with impressive hardware and value proposition. There are other brands - QNAP, TerraMaster, Asustor, etc...

To learn more about NAS options, I recommend these 2 YouTube channels:

SpaceRex

NASCompares

Jimmy Tries World has this one - Everything You Need to Know BEFORE Getting a NAS - A Newbie's Perspective