How to construct a Build for AdviceDIY NAS / Media Server?
How to construct a Build for AdviceDIY NAS / Media Server?
Hello all,
I'm just starting out and apologize for being a bit unclear, but I really need some guidance.
I have an HP T740 Thin client equipped with a Ryzen V1756B processor and Vega 8 graphics, running at 8 GB DDR4 3200mhz.
I want to configure it as my home NAS and Plex media server using unRAID.
Before starting, I need additional storage—so far I haven’t purchased any HDDs, but I’m considering five 4 TB 3.5-inch drives.
The thin client lacks SATA ports but has a low-profile PCI slot and two M.2 slots (one supports NVMe, the other is M.2 SATA).
I searched for an HDD enclosure and found the ORICO DS500C3, but after some research I learned that running NAS via USB isn’t advised and UNRAID may struggle to identify drives separately. I’m exploring alternative methods.
Could it be possible to use a HBA card for SATA expansion through PCI or M.2 to a third-party expansion card? I found one on Amazon.
If so, how would I supply power to the five HDDs? I don’t have a PSU installed yet.
I understand that using a tower PC would simplify things, but I’d like to know if this setup is feasible.
Thank you for your help!
Welcome to the forums, newcomer!
Honestly, you're attempting to go beyond the original purpose by using an M.2 adapter for extra storage. Stick to the two M.2 drive options in your build—SSDs only—and connect the Thin Client via its RJ45 port to a NAS. That's the right approach.
I wouldn't invest any money until it was shown that I could set up an operating system on the internal drive in this 'thin client'.
This Thin Client could host a home NAS on it's own the only issue is storage, there is a PCIe x 16 slot available which can expand some areas and it's upgradable in that sense . I do not want to spend 500+ € on a NAS because the whole point of this is to use this client for it.
Do you mean the M.2 To SATA3 expansion card? If you referred to the thin client itself, I have already set up Windows 11 completely operational and running a media server. I am considering switching to unRAID.
UnRAID offers a 30-day trial. It doesn’t support RAID 5. It might be possible (see the link for details), but it would require an open case, an external power supply for five drives, SATA power cables for five drives in pairs, and an internal HDD enclosure acting as an external one. It would be quite complicated.
No requirement for RAID 5, I’ll opt for one or two parity drives.
Appreciate the advice about the PCIe card—it’s ideal for a reasonable price.
The M.2 SATA slot supports only PCIe x1, while the PCIe slot accommodates x8, so running multiple high-capacity drives won’t be an issue.
There’s a PCI riser on the motherboard and a backplate hatch, allowing me to run SATA cables without opening the case.
I found this link: https://www.amazon.se/-/en/IB-565SS...d=1709739402&sprefix=hdd+cage,aps,97&sr=8-182
Next step: purchase a PSU that can power everything and store it in an old case. This is just the starting point with a minimal budget. I plan to buy a tower PC for this later.