Yes, you can run games on a NAS.
Yes, you can run games on a NAS.
I wasn’t sure where to place this post, so I left it here... My laptop runs a GeForce GT 550M with 16GB DDR3 RAM and a Core i5 4200M, which is better than my old desktop. The issue is I only have one drive—a 120GB Kingson SSD—but I need more space. Can I put Steam on the SSD while storing all games and other files on a NAS with around 4TB? I’d like everything to run smoothly without network delays since my internet is only 1Gbps. Is this realistic? Anyone have a good YouTube tutorial or tips for setting this up as efficiently as possible?
In theory, it's true, but real-world issues like unstable connections usually cause delays or failures instead of perfect performance.
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It's quite feasible, though some titles might pose challenges. Many games, particularly older ones like Source games, handle loading sections gradually into RAM. For games such as Watch Dogs or open-world experiences that stream map data, you'll likely encounter significant problems. In any case, testing different games will help determine what works best.
A 1TB hard drive is quite affordable, and using it for storage inside the same computer offers the best reliability.
In theory: yes, provided your NAS backs the appropriate protocols rather than just FTP or outdated NFS/SMB versions. However, most NAS units are relatively slow, and local networks tend to be similarly constrained. Think of it this way: a typical 7200RPM HDD delivers sequential read/write speeds between 80–120MB/s (some perform better, others less). Many budget NAS models lack these capabilities. Even with higher speeds, 80–120MB/s translates to 640–960MBit/s—making Gigabit Ethernet essential to avoid unacceptable delays. Wireless connections are an option but would likely cause frustrating loading times during certain games. Instead, opt for a larger SSD and that should suffice. A standard 500GB SSD costs roughly $120–140.
I'm focusing on CS:GO, GTA V and similar titles. My setup includes a 1Gbps internal connection and a 100MBit fiber link. The challenge is getting a SSD while my laptop only has one drive port. I need around 200-300GB for Steam games and programs I'm developing. I assembled it myself using an old case and a Core 2 Duo with 8GB RAM—it's just storage space for some files. All critical data is already in the cloud via OneDrive and DropBox, including job applications and important documents.