Choosing between a pre-built NAS (Network Attached Storage) from brands like Synology or QNAP and assembling one yourself with a free operating system like Debian, OpenMediaVault, or TrueNAS involves several factors, including cost, performance requirements, and customization needs. To provide a more in-depth analysis, let’s look at specific models from Synology and compare their costs and features, as well as delve into the software options for DIY NAS setups.
Synology NAS Cost Analysis
Entry-Level Option: Synology DS223j
The DS223j is an entry-level NAS, suitable for beginners or those with basic storage needs. It features a 4-core 1.7 GHz CPU, 1 GB DDR4 RAM, and 2 drive bays, with a power consumption of around 16.31 W. It’s noted for its affordability and ease of use, despite its limited upgradeability and performance ceiling.
Mid-Range Option: Synology DS923+
The DS923+ is aimed at more demanding users, especially those interested in running Plex Media Server. It includes an AMD Ryzen R1600 CPU, 4 GB DDR RAM (expandable up to 32 GB), and 4 drive bays, with a power draw of approximately 35.51 W. This model balances cost with performance, offering expansion options via M.2 SSD slots and the ability to add a five-bay expansion unit.
High-End Option: Synology DS3622xs+
For users with extensive storage requirements, the DS3622xs+ offers 12 drive bays, a six-core Intel Xeon D-1531 CPU, and 16 GB DDR4 RAM (expandable to 48 GB), drawing around 94.42 W of power. Its features cater to users needing significant storage capacity (up to 240TB, expandable to 720TB with additional units) and high network throughput, thanks to dual 10GbE ports.
Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM)
Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM) is an intuitive OS that powers Synology NAS devices, designed to simplify IT challenges. It offers features for multimedia management, file synchronization and sharing, team productivity tools, data protection against various threats, virtualization capabilities, comprehensive user and system administration, and robust security measures. DSM 7.2, the latest version, introduces improvements for large deployments, SMB file sharing, and system monitoring, among others. For more detailed insights into DSM’s capabilities and offerings, you can visit Synology’s official page.
Building Your Own NAS: Software Options
When deciding on the right free operating system for your DIY NAS, the main contenders are often TrueNAS (with its two variants, Core and Scale) and OpenMediaVault, each offering unique features and requirements that cater to different user needs.
TrueNAS
TrueNAS Core and TrueNAS Scale are both developed on the OpenZFS file system but differ in their underlying OS; Core is built on FreeBSD, and Scale on Debian Linux. TrueNAS Core is renowned for its stability, having been around since 2005 (originally as FreeNAS). It’s a great choice for those prioritizing a reliable NAS operating system with excellent ZFS support. TrueNAS Scale, introduced in 2022, offers scalability and the ability to run virtual machines and containers directly within the OS, aiming at users looking for flexibility alongside NAS functionality.
Key Features:
- TrueNAS Core focuses on stability and reliability, offering features like Fusion Pools for speed enhancements and native encryption for security. It supports VPNs and has API keys for easier automation without sharing sensitive login credentials.
- TrueNAS Scale caters to larger, scalable environments. It supports Linux container ecosystems and can manage storage fleets and clusters. If you need a system that grows with your data or to run diverse applications seamlessly, Scale is the better choice.
OpenMediaVault
OpenMediaVault (OMV) provides a flexible platform supporting various file systems like Ext4, XFS, and BTRFS. While it technically supports ZFS through a plugin, TrueNAS offers native ZFS support without additional configurations. OMV shines in its lower hardware requirements, running smoothly on devices with as little as 1GB of RAM and is even compatible with Raspberry Pi hardware, making it accessible for users with less powerful equipment or those looking for a solution for smaller-scale projects.
Considerations:
- File System Support: OMV allows more flexibility in file system choice but requires additional steps for ZFS, where TrueNAS provides robust, native ZFS support.
- Data Management and Applications: Both OMV and TrueNAS offer comprehensive data management features, but TrueNAS has an edge in data protection capabilities through its native ZFS support. Application-wise, OMV requires the installation of OMV-Extras for a broader range of plugins, whereas TrueNAS presents numerous applications out of the box, with TrueNAS Scale offering a significant advantage for users needing containerization and virtualization.
Final Thoughts
The decision between a pre-built Synology NAS and a DIY setup depends on your specific needs, budget, and technical expertise. Pre-built NAS solutions offer ease of use, reliability, and support, making them suitable for those who prefer a straightforward setup. On the other hand, building your own NAS can be more cost-effective and allows for greater customization, appealing to tech enthusiasts and users with specific requirements not met by off-the-shelf products.