Building a Home NAS: Everything You Need to Get Started

What is a NAS? Learn what a Network Attached Storage (NAS) system is and how it can benefit your home or small business.

What Makes Up a NAS System

At its core, a NAS contains:

Storage drives (typically multiple hard drives or SSDs)
A processor and memory to run its operating system
Network interfaces to connect to your home network
A specialized operating system designed for file storage and sharing

When properly configured, your NAS becomes an always-on digital hub for your home or small business, accessible 24/7 from any authorized device on your network.

Types of NAS Solutions for Different Needs

Depending on your requirements, you might consider:

Basic home NAS setup for family photo backups and document storage
Media-focused NAS server for streaming movies, music, and TV shows to smart TVs and devices
Small business NAS solution for shared document access and employee collaboration
Photographer’s NAS workflow for RAW file storage and editing across multiple workstations
Advanced home lab NAS configuration combining storage with virtualization and containers
Budget-friendly NAS alternatives using repurposed hardware for cost-conscious users
High-performance NAS arrays for 4K video editing and professional media production

:::caution When you’re buying disks for your NAS, ensure that you consider the type of RAID pattern you will use.

For example, if you’re planning to use RAID 5, you’ll need at least three disks. If you’re planning to use RAID 10, you’ll need at least four disks. If you’re planning to use RAID 1, you’ll need double the space you expect. :::

Choosing the Right RAID Configuration for Your NAS Understand the different RAID levels and choose the right configuration for your NAS setup.

Why Build a NAS Instead of Using Cloud Storage?

Building your own NAS offers several advantages over relying solely on cloud storage services:

One-time cost vs. recurring subscriptions – pay once for hardware, use it for years
Privacy and data sovereignty – your personal files remain physically in your possession
Faster access speeds – transfer large files at local network speeds (up to 1000MB/s or more)
No internet dependency – access your files even when your internet connection is down
Unlimited expansion potential – add more or larger drives as your needs grow
Customizable security – implement your own access controls and encryption
Media streaming without buffering – smooth playback of high-resolution content
Cross-platform compatibility – access from Windows, Mac, Linux, mobile devices, and smart TVs

A NAS provides centralized storage for all your important data, including:

Automatic computer backups from all household devices
Irreplaceable family photos and home videos
Personal document archives and financial records
Media libraries including movies, TV shows, and music
Game libraries and installation files
Home security camera footage
Personal website hosting and other self-hosted services

Whether you’re a home technology enthusiast looking for the perfect media server, a small business owner needing reliable file sharing, or a privacy-conscious individual wanting to keep data off the cloud, a properly configured NAS can transform how you store, share, and protect your digital assets.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to build an effective home NAS system.

Key Components of a Home NAS

Component	Purpose	Considerations
Storage Drives	Store your data	Capacity, reliability, speed
NAS Host	Runs the system	Pre-built vs DIY, processing power
Network Equipment	Connects to devices	Speed, wired vs wireless
RAID Configuration	Data protection	Level of redundancy needed
Operating System	Manages the NAS	Features, ease of use

Let’s explore each component in detail.

Storage Size: How Much Do You Need?

Your storage requirements will depend on your specific use case and future needs.

Storage Size Guidelines:

Media Server: 8TB+ (grows quickly with 4K content)
Document/Photo Backup: 2-4TB for most households
Complete System Backups: 1-2TB per computer being backed up
Future-proofing: Plan for 30-50% annual growth in storage needs

Drive Types:

NAS-Specific HDDs: Designed for 24/7 operation with vibration tolerance
Enterprise HDDs: Maximum reliability at higher cost
Consumer HDDs: Budget option, but less reliable for constant operation
SSDs: Fast but expensive; consider for cache drives or special use cases

Recommended NAS Storage Drives

WD Red Plus 4TB NAS HDD (Entry-Level)
Western Digital’s WD Red Plus 4TB is perfect for home NAS setups offering 4TB capacity, 5400 RPM for quiet operation, and NASware 3.0 firmware for reliable RAID performance.

Western Digital 4TB WD Red Plus NAS Internal Hard Drive

www.amazon.com

4TB 3.5" NAS HDD, 5400 RPM, CMR technology. Quiet and reliable for home NAS (ideal for backups, media streaming, and 24/7 operation in RAID1/SHR).

Seagate IronWolf 8TB NAS HDD (Mid-Range)
The Seagate IronWolf 8TB provides faster 7200 RPM performance and robust RAID features via AgileArray firmware. Ideal for media servers and multi-user NAS environments.

Seagate IronWolf 8TB NAS Internal Hard Drive

www.amazon.com

8TB 3.5\" NAS HDD, 7200 RPM, AgileArray firmware. High-capacity drive optimized for NAS (great for media servers and multi-user backups, with faster performance in RAID arrays).

WD Red Pro 14TB NAS HDD (High-Performance)
For heavy-duty usage, WD Red Pro 14TB delivers enterprise-level performance with 7200 RPM, a 512MB cache, and a 5-year warranty, perfect for small business setups.

Western Digital 14TB WD Red Pro NAS Internal Hard Drive

www.amazon.com

14TB 3.5\" NAS HDD, 7200 RPM, 512MB cache. Enterprise-grade drive for heavy 24/7 NAS workloads (ideal for small business NAS, RAID5/6 setups, and high-capacity storage with 5-year warranty).

Comparison Table: Storage Drives

Product	Capacity / Specs	Use Case	Price Tier
WD Red Plus 4TB	4TB, 5400 RPM, NASware 3.0	Home backups & basic media streaming	Budget
Seagate IronWolf 8TB	8TB, 7200 RPM, AgileArray	Prosumer media servers & multi-user NAS	Mid-range
WD Red Pro 14TB	14TB, 7200 RPM, 512MB cache	High-performance, small business NAS	High-End

NAS Host: Pre-built vs DIY

You have two main options for your NAS hardware: purchasing a pre-built NAS enclosure or building your own system.

Pre-built NAS Systems:

Pros: User-friendly setup, compact design, power efficient, purpose-built OS
Cons: Limited customization, potentially underpowered for advanced uses
Ideal for: Beginners, simple file sharing, basic media streaming
Popular brands: Synology, QNAP, TerraMaster

DIY NAS Builds:

Pros: Full customization, potentially more powerful, flexible expansion
Cons: More complex setup, typically larger, may require more technical knowledge
Ideal for: Advanced users, Plex transcoding, virtualization, multi-purpose servers
Options: Repurposed PC, custom-built server, mini-PC with direct attached storage

Recommended NAS Hosts

Synology DiskStation DS220j (2-Bay, Entry-Level)
Ideal for beginners, the DS220j offers a simple 2-bay NAS experience with an intuitive DSM OS for file sharing and media streaming.

Synology DiskStation DS220j (Diskless 2-Bay NAS)

www.amazon.com

2-bay NAS enclosure, Realtek 4-core CPU, 512MB RAM. Runs Synology DSM for easy file storage, backups, and media streaming. Ideal entry-level NAS for home use.

QNAP TS-464 (4-Bay, Prosumer Mid-Range)
The TS-464 is a versatile 4-bay NAS featuring an Intel Celeron processor, upgradeable RAM, and dual 2.5GbE ports, perfect for a more advanced setup.

QNAP TS-464 4-Bay High-Performance NAS (Diskless)

www.amazon.com

4-bay NAS with Intel Quad-Core CPU, 8GB RAM, dual 2.5GbE ports, and HDMI out. Ideal for prosumer NAS with media streaming, virtualization, and small business file sharing.

Synology DiskStation DS923+ (Expandable 4-Bay, High-End)
For those needing advanced performance, the DS923+ comes with an AMD Ryzen CPU, expandable RAM, and future-proof 10GbE options, suitable for heavy workloads.

Synology DiskStation DS923+ (Diskless 4-Bay NAS)

www.amazon.com

4-bay NAS with AMD Ryzen CPU, 4GB RAM (expandable to 32GB), dual Gigabit LAN (10GbE upgradable). Perfect for advanced home or small business use with high-demand applications.

Comparison Table: NAS Hosts

NAS Host	Drive Bays	Key Features	Ideal For	Price Tier
Synology DS220j	2 bays	DSM OS, energy-efficient, user-friendly	Beginners, home media, simple file sharing	Budget
QNAP TS-464	4 bays	Intel Celeron, upgradeable RAM, dual 2.5GbE	Prosumer setups, media streaming, small office	Mid-range
Synology DS923+	4 bays (expandable)	AMD Ryzen, high performance, 10GbE option	Advanced users, heavy workloads, small business	High-End

Network Bandwidth: Ensuring Smooth Access

Your network infrastructure is critical for NAS performance, especially when multiple users access files simultaneously.

Minimum Requirements:

Gigabit Ethernet (1000Mbps): Standard for modern NAS setups
Cat5e/Cat6 Cabling: Required for reliable gigabit speeds
Quality Network Switch: Essential for multiple wired connections

Advanced Setups:

Link Aggregation: Combine multiple ethernet ports for increased bandwidth
10 Gigabit Ethernet: For professional video editing or large file transfers
Managed Switch: For VLAN creation and traffic prioritization

Wireless Considerations:

NAS should ideally use wired connections for reliability
WiFi 6 (802.11ax) provides better performance for wireless clients
Consider access point placement for optimal coverage

Recommended Network Equipment

TP-Link Archer AX55 (AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 Router, Entry-Level)
Upgrade your home network with the Archer AX55, delivering fast Wi-Fi 6 speeds and reliable Gigabit connections for seamless NAS access.

TP-Link Archer AX55 AX3000 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 Router

www.amazon.com

Dual-band AX3000 router with Wi-Fi 6, Gigabit Ethernet ports, ideal for smooth NAS streaming and fast backups over a modern wireless network.

TP-Link TL-SG108 Gigabit Switch (8-Port)
Expand your wired network with the TL-SG108, ensuring that your NAS, PCs, and smart devices enjoy full gigabit speeds without bottlenecks.

TP-Link TL-SG108 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch

www.amazon.com

8-port Gigabit switch with plug-and-play setup, perfect for connecting multiple devices to your NAS for stable, high-speed network performance.

Ubiquiti UniFi Dream Machine (All-in-One Prosumer Router)
For advanced users, the UniFi Dream Machine offers integrated routing, switching, and enterprise-level network management, ensuring maximum performance for your NAS.

Ubiquiti UniFi Dream Machine (UDM) All-in-One Router

www.amazon.com

All-in-one router with advanced network management, dual-band Wi-Fi, and enterprise features. Perfect for prosumer networks with high-demand NAS setups.

Comparison Table: Network Equipment

Product	Key Features	Best For	Price Tier
TP-Link Archer AX55	Wi-Fi 6, AX3000, Gigabit ports	Home networks needing modern, fast wireless access for NAS	Budget
TP-Link TL-SG108	8-port Gigabit, plug-and-play	Expanding wired network for stable NAS connectivity	Budget
Ubiquiti UniFi Dream Machine	All-in-one router, advanced network management	Advanced setups needing enterprise features for multiple users	High-End

RAID Layout: Balancing Protection and Capacity

RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) configurations protect your data against drive failures while potentially improving performance.

Common RAID Options:

RAID Level	Drives Required	Data Protection	Usable Space	Best For
RAID 0	2+	None (risky)	100%	Maximum speed & capacity
RAID 1	2	Single drive failure	50%	Critical data, small setups
RAID 5	3+	Single drive failure	~67-94%	Good balance for home use
RAID 6	4+	Two drive failures	~50-88%	Larger arrays, longer rebuilds
RAID 10	4+	Specific drive failures	50%	Fast performance with redundancy

Important RAID Considerations:

RAID is not a backup solution! Always maintain separate backups
Larger drives mean longer RAID rebuild times (increasing risk)
Consider hot spare drives for automatic replacement after failure
Software RAID vs Hardware RAID depends on your NAS solution

Operating System: The Brains of Your NAS

The OS you choose determines the features, interface, and capabilities of your NAS system.

Pre-built NAS Operating Systems:

Synology DSM: Polished interface, extensive app ecosystem
QNAP QTS: Feature-rich with good hardware utilization
TrueNAS SCALE: Enterprise features in consumer-friendly package

DIY NAS Operating Systems:

TrueNAS Core/SCALE: Free, ZFS file system, extensive features
Unraid: Flexible storage, virtualization, Docker support
OpenMediaVault: Lightweight, Debian-based, good for older hardware
Windows Server: Familiar interface but requires licenses
Linux + Samba: Most flexible but requires technical knowledge

Key OS Features to Consider:

File sharing protocols (SMB, NFS, AFP)
Remote access capabilities
Backup solutions (local and cloud)
Media server functionality
Docker and virtualization support
User management and permissions

Recommended NAS Operating Systems

Synology DSM: Pre-installed on Synology NAS devices, DSM offers a slick, intuitive interface and a vast app ecosystem. Perfect for those who prefer a turnkey solution with minimal hassle.
TrueNAS SCALE: A free, open-source NAS OS with enterprise-grade features like ZFS, snapshots, and container support.

TrueNAS SCALE

www.truenas.com

Free, open-source NAS operating system with enterprise features including ZFS, container support, and virtualization for a powerful DIY NAS setup.

Unraid OS: Offers flexible storage pooling with parity and easy integration of Docker containers and VMs, making it ideal for home media servers and all-in-one NAS solutions. (Note: Unraid is a paid OS with a one-time license fee.)

Comparison Table: NAS Operating Systems

NAS OS	Platform	Key Features	Ideal For	Cost
Synology DSM	Synology NAS devices	Intuitive GUI, extensive app ecosystem	Beginners & general users	Included with hardware
TrueNAS SCALE	DIY NAS builds	ZFS, snapshots, container & VM support	Advanced users, home labs	Free (open source)
Unraid OS	DIY NAS builds	Flexible drive pooling, Docker/VM support	Home media servers, all-in-one NAS	Paid (license fee)

Building Your NAS: Getting Started

Once you’ve determined your needs for each component, follow these steps:

Plan your storage requirements with room for growth
Select your NAS approach (pre-built or DIY)
Ensure your network can handle your planned usage
Choose an appropriate RAID level for your risk tolerance
Select an operating system matching your technical comfort

For most home users, we recommend:

4-bay NAS with NAS-optimized drives
RAID 5 for a good balance of protection and capacity
Gigabit network with wired connections to the NAS
Pre-built NAS for beginners or TrueNAS/Unraid for more technical users

Remember that a properly configured NAS can serve you for many years, so it’s worth investing time in planning and quality components.