Set up first NAS

[Enquiries]

Hello everyone,
I’m new to the world of NAS and recently purchased a Ugreen NAS, which I plan to equip with 2×8TB HDDs and 2×500GB M.2 SSDs. My idea is to install the operating system and apps (e.g., Plex, Docker) on the SSDs while using the HDDs primarily for data storage.
The goal is to ensure that during app usage or system-related tasks, the HDDs remain in standby mode, reducing wear and tear as well as energy consumption.
Additionally, I’m considering setting up the SSDs as a cache for frequently accessed data faster.
1. Does this approach make sense for a NAS setup?
2. Are there any potential pitfalls or limitations I should be aware of?
3. Would using the SSDs as a cache while hosting the OS and apps on them negatively impact their performance or lifespan?
4. Is there an alternative configuration that you’d recommend for balancing performance, reliability, and efficiency?
Thank you for your suggestions!

[ed]

Your approach of installing the operating system and apps on the SSDs while using the HDDs for data storage makes sense, but there are a few things to consider:

Does this approach make sense for a NAS setup?

Yes, this is a common configuration and can work well. Installing the OS and apps on the SSDs allows for faster boot times and better performance for apps like Plex or Docker. The HDDs will be used primarily for data storage, which will help balance performance and capacity.
Are there any potential pitfalls or limitations I should be aware of?

One thing to be mindful of is that NVMe drives can only be used for storage or cache, but not both. So, if you want to use them as a cache, you will need to dedicate them exclusively for that purpose, and they won’t be available for regular storage. Additionally, be aware of the wear on the SSDs if you're constantly using them as cache, as they will experience frequent read/write cycles.
Would using the SSDs as a cache while hosting the OS and apps on them negatively impact their performance or lifespan?

Since the OS is loaded into RAM during boot, there’s no significant performance gain from hosting the OS on the SSD. In fact, it's generally better to use the SSDs for caching rather than for the OS, as caching will speed up data access. The performance and lifespan of the SSDs won't be significantly impacted unless they are constantly handling heavy read/write operations (as in the case of frequently accessed data). If the OS and apps aren't too demanding, the wear on the SSDs will be minimal.
Is there an alternative configuration that you’d recommend for balancing performance, reliability, and efficiency?

An alternative configuration would be to use the SSDs solely for caching and place the OS and apps on the HDDs. This way, you can maximize the storage potential of the HDDs while still benefiting from the SSD cache to speed up data access. Additionally, you could consider using a hybrid setup where the OS and apps run on the HDDs, but the SSDs only cache the most frequently accessed data, reducing the wear on your SSDs over time.