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When your collection of external hard drives that store important information start​s​ to pile up, knowing how to build a network attached storage can prove to be vital. Network ​A​ttached ​S​torage or ‘NAS’ provides a neat solution for being able to share media and files to other devices connected to the same network. Although there is the ability to buy a pre-built ​NAS​ server, learning how to build a network attached storage server can help you save money as well as let you design it to your specific needs. 

What is a NAS server?

A network attached storage server is a dedicated file storage system that can be accessed by devices that are connected to the same local area network (LAN). With no way of being able to retrieve files or data from the NAS server itself as there is no keyboard or display, users can retrieve files from a browser-like interface. Each server also has its own dedicated IP address. 

NAS device components

Before you start to build your network attached storage server, it is important to understand each component to ensure it works best for you. The best way to look at a ​NAS​​ ​server is as an effective computer that is optimized for sharing data that would be saved onto an external hard drive. The components that make up a ​NAS ​server are also not too dissimilar to what you’d need to ​build your own PC​. The components needed are as follows.  

CPU

As an integral part of a ​NAS ​server, the CPU needs to be powerful in order to optimize performance as well as user experience. The more powerful the CPU, the quicker the ​NAS ​server is able to store and access the data.   

Of course, a more powerful CPU comes at a higher cost, so it is best to weigh the importance of efficiency and user experience when looking at a CPU before you put your own server together. 

RAM

RAM is an integral part of any computer and is no different for a ​NAS ​server. The reason for this server is to be able to access data and files quickly, and RAM can help with its efficiency. DDR5 RAM is capable of providing a NAS server with the ability to carry out its tasks safely and quickly to ensure that there are fewer occasions where files may be corrupted. 

Motherboard

When looking for a suitable motherboard for a ​NAS ​server, it would be beneficial to perhaps look at one that is smaller but doesn’t compromise on power and performance. Another key aspect to consider is ​whether​ the motherboard provides an opportunity for memory expansion, as this gives users a chance to increase their memory and upgrade their ​NAS ​server further down the line. 

Storage

​​Storage is not something to research lightly when preparing to build a ​NAS ​server. SATA SSDs are a sensible choice for a ​NAS ​server​.​ ​It ​​ensures​ you have ​ample​​ storage space that​ ​lasts so you won’t have to swap it out for more storage further down the line. ​​​ ​​​​​ ​​​

One of the biggest benefits of a NAS is that it can become a home for all your old hard drives, giving you extra storage without spending more money. When it comes time to upgrade, you can replace the drives one by one starting with the smallest.​​ ​​​​​ 

​​​If you are more technical, you can set​​ ​​up your drives in a RAID (Redundant Array of Inexpensive Drives) configuration so they appear as one or more big storage pool to users on your network, rather than several smaller drives. If set up in the right way, this can also help protect your data. See our article on the basics of RAID for more details.​​ 

Power supply

Something that is easy to overlook but is vital is the power supply. The key things to consider when looking at the right power supply for a ​NAS ​server is the wattage as well as personal preference when it comes to cable management. There are options to ensure that the cables remain neat and tidy when the server is built. There is also very little need to exceed anything over 500 watts to successfully power a ​NAS ​server. 

Case

Housing all of these components safely and securely is important to ensure the server is working as it should. Having a case can do just that while making sure that each component does not overheat. Keeping the case neat and compact can prove to be beneficial too as this is a practical choice to save physical space. 

Assembling a ​NAS​ server

Once all of the hardware components have been gathered, it is time to start putting the ​NAS ​server together. Following these steps can help you make sure that the ​NAS ​server is assembled safely and correctly. 

Preparing the case

Making sure that the case is correctly assembled is the first step to ensure that the components it will house for the ​NAS ​server are safe and well maintained. 

Adding the components

Once the case is ready, it is best to put together the RAM and CPU and add it to the motherboard. Once everything is onto the motherboard securely, place that inside the case. Adding the drives to the SATA ports on the motherboard should be the next step, followed by adding the power supply and connecting the cables correctly.  

Installing an operating system

Choosing the right operating system is a personal preference, so once the OS has been chosen, the next step is to install it onto the ​NAS ​server. Have the operating system ready on a USB drive so it can be inserted into the server.  

These are the key steps to take when putting together all the components to build your very own ​NAS ​server. Beyond this is configuring software which can vary depending on the chosen operating system and other factors that can differ from individual ​NAS ​servers. 

Ways to use a ​NAS ​server

The flexibility of ​NAS ​servers is a key aspect of why they are so popular. The most common ways ​NAS ​servers are used include using it as a media streaming device, and a central file storage and sharing server, too. There are however some more creative ways they can be used. ​NAS ​servers can be used as dedicated ​game​​ servers for multiplayer games. The server can also be used as a VPN for secure and remote access to your home network.  

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