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1st time nas - Enquiries - 12-22-2024
I have been looking at the ugreen dxp400+ but I recently upgraded my pc and have a 12700k, 2x2tb nvme ssd (evo 980) and a 750w psu. I thought to use these parts for the nas (even though probably overkill). I want the nas for running a plex server (4k at 120hz TV), sharing large video files for an editing team offsite (though not editing off the nas) and replacing cloud storage for myself and my partner. Any suggestions of issues I may run into and motherboard/enclosure would be really helpful. Or if I should just sell the chip and go for the ugreen. Last issue is around the connections. It doesn't seeem to make sense for less than a 10gb Ethernet or thurnderbolt 4 if I run a system on an ssd with hdd back up right?
RE: 1st time nas - ed - 12-24-2024
Thanks for reaching out! You’ve got a great set of parts to start with, and while your 12700K and NVMe drives might be overkill for a traditional NAS, they’ll provide incredible performance for Plex, file sharing, and replacing cloud storage.
If you want to move forward with building your own NAS, I’d recommend finding a motherboard that supports your CPU and offers enough SATA ports for your storage needs. Something with at least 6 SATA ports would allow for future expansion, and having a 10GbE network port or the option to add one via PCIe would make your setup much more capable for the type of workload you’re describing. Boards like the ASUS ProArt or Gigabyte AORUS Z690 could be good options.
For your case, consider something designed for NAS use. The Fractal Design Node 804 or SilverStone CS381 would be perfect choices, as they allow multiple drives to be installed while maintaining good airflow and compact size.
You’re absolutely right about connections. If you’re running SSDs and dealing with large files, a 10GbE Ethernet setup or Thunderbolt 4 is ideal. With 10GbE, you’ll avoid bottlenecks and ensure fast transfers and smooth 4K streaming. Make sure to pair it with a compatible switch and verify that your editing team and client devices support these speeds.
The main considerations are power consumption and cooling. A desktop-class CPU like the 12700K will draw more power compared to a dedicated NAS system, so expect slightly higher electricity costs. Proper cooling will also be crucial, especially with multiple HDDs and high-performance components.
If simplicity and energy efficiency are more important to you, it might be worth selling the 12700K and opting for a ready-made NAS like the Ugreen DXP400+. It won’t be as powerful, but it’s more streamlined for this kind of setup.