NAS - Storage only options.

[Cherry Dude]

Hi there

 

Looking back at my old post, I found one from 2016 where I considered the different options of buying a NAS or going the DIY route.

I ended up buying a WD My Cloud Mirror gen. 2. and have been pretty pleased with it. Well that's an understatement, coming from no NAS at all, it has been fantastic! Anyways, now the TB's are calling me as the two 3TB drives in JBOD are almost filled. (don't worry, have backup on other drives)

 

SO! Once again, I let the cry be heard: Buy or DIY.

 

But that's pretty boring since I see the same question ever so often, so to make a little more difficult/easier there are some criteria.

1. I use absolutely zero of the WD's limited features, and I know some say that you will lean into this and that and can’t live without it, but I don't see that coming for me.
2. As it might be obvious from 1. I am looking for a NAS only to function as storage, serving the files to my PC and media player.
3. I'm thinking something in the line of 8 -12 TB available in the end. Alternatively, something that enables you to upgrade later on. (Which is impossible with the now filled WD)

Strangely enough it is the lack of need for all kinds of features that I find a little difficult, since most of the DIY builds seem to be for more enthusiastic users. The same goes for the buy option - I mean the Asustor AS4004T for example looks nice, and fits four drives, but am I paying (too much) for features that are just going to collect dust.

 

At the moment of writing I realise that an external drive connected to the router could also be an option, but I am far more interested in what you good people have to say.