Will I be able to run this premium gaming computer from a decade ago as a NAS with SSDs?
Will I be able to run this premium gaming computer from a decade ago as a NAS with SSDs?
I own a high-end gaming PC from twelve years ago that I kept hidden after upgrading to a newer model. This was my first PC built entirely from scratch and the only one with a custom water cooling loop, giving it a lot of sentimental value. It’s not worth keeping in its current state. I’m considering converting it into a NAS, as it sat unused for years. My interest lies more in storage solutions rather than drives or RAID systems, so I’m seeking advice on the optimal configuration. The hardware includes an i5-2500K (up to 5GHz) with EK Supremacy Elite waterblock, two EVGA GTX 680 SLI units with EK FC680 waterblocks, four 8GB HyperX Fury DDR3 at 1600MHz RAM, an MSI P67A-GD55 (B3) motherboard. I don’t have any drives installed since they were moved to my new PC at the time.
The case and water loop design leave no room for HDDs, but there’s space for up to twelve 2.5-inch SSDs. The motherboard supports six SATA ports (two SATA3, four SATA2, plus PCI-E Gen 2), so speeds won’t be ideal—perfectly fine for my needs as an indie game developer who mainly backs up source files between major updates.
With only six SATA ports and a requirement for at least RAID 1, I’m unsure how far I can go. Should I consider adding a PCI-E card with extra SATA ports, or opt for a PCI-E card with M.2 slots and slower, cheaper drives? Or are there other creative options?
Also, I know the loop is 12 years old, so I plan to replace as many O-rings as possible.
From my perspective, considering the current system, energy and heat challenges, plus the concern about storing water in your backup solution, this doesn't really look viable. Can it be done? Yes. Should it be done? Probably not. Display it in a way and appreciate its sentimental worth.
First off...why RAID 1? That isn't really about a proper backup setup. It's just about keeping things running smoothly.
This situation demands a solid backup plan.
Could you adapt this old system into a NAS? Kind of.
I wouldn't.
SATA II ports will hurt performance no matter what SATA SSDs you install.
Decade+ old custom liquid cooling? Not the way.
Ancient power supply.
Why are there so many restrictions on HDDs?
A 2 or 4 bay NAS with big HDDs will meet your needs perfectly.
You might be concerned about maintaining stability day after day on an outdated platform
If we were car enthusiasts, this would be the vehicle we keep in storage, occasionally taking it down to the ground and rebuilding each component before reassembling. In the end, it could breathe new life into the old model and restore it to its former glory.
These water blocks will likely be the most challenging part of the job. You’ll need to remove, take apart, and check them. If they’re undamaged, clean them thoroughly and replace the seals—so far, everything looks good.
The pumps are another concern. It might be worth sourcing new ones.
You mentioned you plan to replace the power supply in your first post, which is taken care of.
Running the two GTX 680s on a NAS setup is a bit ambitious, especially considering their idle power usage—around 15-25 watts per card. It’s not too bad, but it’s worth noting.
If this were my project, I’d upgrade the 2500K to an i7-2600. Why not have everything fully disassembled during the refurbishment?
In the end, the old machine can still serve many purposes beyond just a NAS. It could become a retro gaming setup that supports XP, Windows 7, or even Windows 10 and Windows 11 if you’re interested in bypassing the TMP.
If you ever run it on XP or Windows 7, treat it as a non-internet device.
I was just mentioning this, but someone got there first! If it were my turn, I’d build it into a classic retro gaming setup. I know some people have made similar setups using XP, they gather at LAN parties and act like it’s still the mid-2000s. That way, your old machine would be truly valued for what it was meant to do.
For the server concept, it could work, but it might consume more power and create more heat than you’d prefer. My current setup is an old passive cooling office PC packed with hard drives, running a very energy-efficient Linux distribution (I can’t recall the exact one). You don’t need much power just to keep data moving over the network. It should run quietly, use minimal energy, require almost no upkeep, and be ready to operate 24/7.