Laptop as NAS setup?

[Noobie456]

Hi! 

 

So a little background. I have a desktop with multiple drives (nvme and sata 3.5" hdd) which I use as my primary computer for gaming, browsing and also running my Jellyfin server (totally legit content) and store my photos, videos from my phone, camera, etc... This is running windows 11. 

 

The Problem:

I do not keep it running 100% of the time. I turn it on whenever I need to access my jellyfin content. My electricity rates are pretty high and I have seen lower bills when my computer is not running 100% of the time. I would like to watch binge shows on my TV or phone without my PC always running in the room. 

 

Solution: 

I have a very old HP laptop. It still runs fine and I do not use it actively at all. It is just collecting dust. So I was thinking would it be possible to make that as my NAS. What would be the possible ways I can attach multiple HDDs if I can. It does not have any NVMe slots. My goal was to install TrueNAS on it and maybe somehow attach my hdds to that and keep that running for my Jellyfin server. I hope that would consume way less power and also be a passive solution. 

Specs of the laptop:

Intel i7- 5500U? (Not sure something 5th gen or 6th) From 2015

16G DDR3

1TB SATA SSD 2.5" (Swapped with the original HDD)

Nvidia 940MX 2GB (not totally sure) 

CD Drive ( maybe could take this out)

 

 

Please let me know your thoughts if this is possible or achievable? Or even is this something totally stupid?  

 

[Electronics Wizardy]

Should work fine if you want a basic NAS. Swapping the CD drive with a HDD can be a good way to get more storage later on.

[Noobie456]

I was looking to attach my 3.5" HDD from my desktop to the laptop also maybe one of the NVMe. 

[KidKid]

11 hours ago, Noobie456 said:

Hi! 

 

So a little background. I have a desktop with multiple drives (nvme and sata 3.5" hdd) which I use as my primary computer for gaming, browsing and also running my Jellyfin server (totally legit content) and store my photos, videos from my phone, camera, etc... This is running windows 11. 

 

The Problem:

I do not keep it running 100% of the time. I turn it on whenever I need to access my jellyfin content. My electricity rates are pretty high and I have seen lower bills when my computer is not running 100% of the time. I would like to watch binge shows on my TV or phone without my PC always running in the room. 

 

Solution: 

I have a very old HP laptop. It still runs fine and I do not use it actively at all. It is just collecting dust. So I was thinking would it be possible to make that as my NAS. What would be the possible ways I can attach multiple HDDs if I can. It does not have any NVMe slots. My goal was to install TrueNAS on it and maybe somehow attach my hdds to that and keep that running for my Jellyfin server. I hope that would consume way less power and also be a passive solution. 

Specs of the laptop:

Intel i7- 5500U? (Not sure something 5th gen or 6th) From 2015

16G DDR3

1TB SATA SSD 2.5" (Swapped with the original HDD)

Nvidia 940MX 2GB (not totally sure) 

CD Drive ( maybe could take this out)

 

 

Please let me know your thoughts if this is possible or achievable? Or even is this something totally stupid?  

 

You could use USB drives for storage on your laptop

[gentlemanspot]

oh yeah, that will work. if you don't "Need" a NAS  You could even run plan old Debian and install some Docker for Jellyfin  . Dockstarter is fun and easy for beginners https://dockstarter.com

[Noobie456]

Thanks. I am quite familiar with docker and linux so that would not be a problem. But I see Using the laptop adding more storage is the problem. I am already half way on my 6tb 3.5" drive which I was planning to use

[1human]

1 hour ago, Noobie456 said:

Thanks. I am quite familiar with docker and linux so that would not be a problem. But I see Using the laptop adding more storage is the problem. I am already half way on my 6tb 3.5" drive which I was planning to use

One issue you might run into is if the laptop can supply enough power to run the 3.5" HDD. It is possible that it can run it but generally CD drives have lower power requirements (akin to a 2.5" drive)