NAS with Pi4

[Mind_001]

I have a Pi4 laying around doing nothing, (4gb version) and I was thinking of putting it up as a NAS for our house.

 

I know you can do it with Raspebian, OMV or others. That is not the issue.

 

The problem I have is, All I have are OLD HDDS. (maybe dating back to 2005) 2x Green WD's are newer, but not really ever meant for a NAS.

 

Should I get some SSD externals and hook it up via USB3, or should I be looking at 3-6TB HDDs? In anyone, I'd probably take 2 of each and software RAID 1 them.

 

Is there a certain external HDD/SSD case, or perhaps an external drive that doesn't cost a heap?

 

I want to keep this low as possible, but not that cheapo crap that we never heard the name of. Give me an eyeball.

[Windows7ge]

Since I expect you're limited to the onboard 1Gbit NIC USB SSDs would be a wasted expense. Better off using what you have.

 

The Software RAID implementations I like I've never tested over USB and I've not heard others trying and succeeding.

 

Depending on how much storage you need you could take two of the drives and setup a RSYNC job to copy everything from one to the other. Kind of a rudimentary RAID1.

[WereCatf]

58 minutes ago, Windows7ge said:

The Software RAID implementations I like I've never tested over USB and I've not heard others trying and succeeding.

I've only tried Btrfs, but it worked fine over USB.

[Mind_001]

Well, it's mounted the same way, even with USB. So I don't see an issue here.

 

What I DO need is a HDD Enclosure. One that doesn't cost an arm and leg.

 

And of course, new HDDs. I think 3-4TBs would be enough for this house.

 

(I'm a Linux nerd. See my avatar?)

[Dutch_Master]

As it's only hardware you need, give Aliexpress a whirl for something suitable that won't break the bank. Alternatively, obtain an old, used and empty PC case, salvage the HDD cage and purchase some USB3<->SATA adapters and a fan that you mount on the side/front and away you go.

[Net Runner]

I would more likely search for something like a USB dock station. Those allow up to 4 drives in a single box which might be an ideal fit for your scenario. Something like this https://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-4-Bay-Docking-Station-DS-U3B4/dp/B07H11KXCL/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=usb+multi+sata&qid=1582549486&sr=8-1 but you can get it much cheaper from Aliexpress most probably.

[Mind_001]

I have seen ones like this: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000000999195.html?spm

 

Edit: Or like https://www.newegg.com/orico-ds500c3-us-bk/p/0VN-0003-00183

[GDRRiley]

I'd get 2 2 drive over a single quad for the better throughput and if raid is set up right 1 could die and no interruptions.

with older drives run RAID 1 and turn off spin down