

Of course, you can choose to use more expensive parts for a more streamlined and efficient build but, crucially, that’s entirely up to you. What’s even better is that these inexpensive components can be brought together to create a NAS system which, if it was shop-bought, could easily set you back thousands of dollars. Compiling prices from reputable vendors across the internet, the site gives a very good idea of how much (and how little) you can get your NAS components for. While differences in technology between the two models might be significant to those looking to build a top of the range PC, for the purposes of creating a NAS, they’re very much the same product.įor an excellent overview of hardware prices, check out PCPartPicker and browse by individual parts. For example, an Intel Pentium E5500 CPU, released in 2010, can be snapped up on Amazon for just $35, while its 2015 successor the Intel Pentium G4400 will cost at least double. It’s easy to get ahold of previous generation computer parts these days – whether you buy them online through sites like Craigslist or eBay, get them at thrift stores and garage sales, or simply make use of an old computer lying around at home.Īs older processors, motherboards, and other essential NAS components are replaced with newer versions, the outdated tech doesn’t lose its value for basic tasks like data storage – and it gets a lot cheaper. Take a look at your chosen provider’s website for more details! High end performance for a low price
#Best nas router for mac software
The steps you’ll need to follow to setup RAID on your NAS system will depend on which OS software you are using. This is an excellent way of keeping your data safe, and restoring files should an HDD fail.

Having more space for storage devices also means that you’ve got the tools to create a RAID array – a means of using additional disks to keep mirrored copies of the data on your primary hard disk drive(s). This will give you a much greater storage capacity than if you’re using a simple router and external drive.


The biggest advantage of using old parts to create a new device is that you can add as many external drives as you have ports on your motherboard (and space for in your enclosure).
#Best nas router for mac how to
Having said that, it’s not too hard to learn, and there are plenty of resources available – such as GFCFree’s guide to Computer Basics, which can help you get your head around the basics of computer hardware, and Brian Moses’ DIY NAS: 2016 Edition – an accessible and comprehensive explanation of how to buy and build your own NAS system. Unlike creating a NAS from a router and an external storage device, this approach involves working with hardware as well as software, so a working knowledge of which bits go where inside a computer will certainly come in handy. If you’d like a bit more say in the construction of your NAS, or want more space and functionality without having to pay for a commercial device, deciding to build your own NAS system from re-purposed hardware could be the solution for you.
