NAS for large genomics data

[Enquiries]

Hi. Thanks for the amazing content you provide! I would appreciate advice on a NAS I’m building for home/research use, with the following specs

-I’m particularly interested in Synology
- Main use is to store and analyse large data (Genomics data), currently 12 Tb, and scaling to 40Tb in 3-5 years
- Redundancy of 1 to 2 drives
- Real time coding by R studio or python. Where I access, analyse, and write data (~1gb files) directly from NAS data through resources of my PC (optional)
- low noise (quiet fans + low-noise reliable UPS?)

The build i'm thinking of:
-DN1522+ with two 16Tb synology plus HDD drives
-Synology 400GB NVMe cache (for speedy real-time analysis)
-E10G22-T1-Mini 10gb module (for speedy real-time analysis)
-APC BACK-UPS ES-BE850G2
-For noise: Noctua NF-A12x25 fans for NAS, acoustic foam under the NAS, and velco strips on HDD mount

What do you think ?

[ed]

Thank you for reaching out, and I’m glad you enjoyed the content! Your proposed NAS setup is excellent and demonstrates a well-thought-out balance of performance, redundancy, and scalability. Here’s my feedback to further optimize your build:

NAS Build and Storage
The Synology DS1522+ is a great choice for your requirements, offering scalability and 10GbE support via the E10G22-T1-Mini module. Starting with two 16TB Synology Plus HDDs in RAID 1 or SHR provides redundancy and leaves room for expansion. As your data scales, consider transitioning to RAID 5/6 by adding drives or even using an expansion unit like the DX517.

Your idea of using a 400GB NVMe cache for real-time data analysis is also sound. For improved endurance, especially given your workload, you might want to look into options like the WD Red SN700 (1.0 DWPD) or Seagate FireCuda 520 (0.9 DWPD). These drives are better suited for high-write environments, ensuring reliability over the long term.

Networking and Real-Time Workflows
Adding the 10GbE module will significantly enhance performance when accessing large genomics files from your PC for R Studio or Python analysis. Make sure your PC is equipped with a 10GbE NIC and that your switch supports 10GbE to fully leverage this upgrade.

Noise Optimization
Your plan to install Noctua NF-A12x25 fans and use acoustic foam and Velcro strips is excellent for reducing noise. Combining these with a vibration-dampening mat beneath the NAS will further minimize any residual noise.

UPS Recommendations
For power protection and quiet operation, I recommend considering either the PowerWalker VI 1200 SH or the APC BR1000MS:

PowerWalker VI 1200 SH:

A reliable and affordable UPS with pure sine wave output, ideal for NAS devices.
Supports quiet operation and integrates well with Synology’s UPS monitoring.
APC BR1000MS:

Slightly more expensive but offers premium features like silent operation, long runtime, and compatibility with Synology NAS for automated shutdowns.
Both options provide better noise control than the APC BE850G2, which is still a solid choice if budget is a primary concern.

Final Thoughts
Your build is well-suited for your current and future needs. If scalability is a top priority, you might also want to consider the DS1821+ for its additional bays. Otherwise, your plan, combined with one of the suggested UPS models, will provide a quiet, high-performance solution for your genomics research.