Inexpensive NAS build advice/reactions

[Robie7642003]

Hi All,
Planning on building a home NAS machine--if it makes sense over a ready-made system. This will be my third build overall, and am now fairly addicted to doing it myself! (Also have become addicted to reading everyone's system specs on this forum!)

Would be for use in a network having both Vista 64 and XP machines, potentially adding a Mac. Objective is as low a price as I can with some comfort level of performance based on my experience while bettering any commercial product.

ASUS P5GC-MX micro ATX MOBO

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131243



Celeron D E1400 CPU (I'm open to AMD but have always at Intel)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116069


Athenatech A3603BB.400 Black Steel MicroATX Mini Tower Computer Case 400W Power Supply (Love my new Antec mid-tower ATX but was going for something small and cheap here)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811190072

LITE-ON Black 52X CD-R 32X CD-RW 52X CD-ROM ATAPI/E-IDE CD Burner (want to include burner in case of burning files directly--this was the cheapest at Newegg)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106084

HITACHI 0A38016 1TB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive (Again, cheapest I saw, plan to start with two but can add later)

Kingston ValueRAM 1GB (2 x 512MB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 533 (PC2 4200) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory (not sure I even need 1 GB but can't hurt at the price)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820144152

While I've never used Linux, I was thinking of installing UBUNTU as OS and FREENAS as the NAS, both for price (or lack thereof!)

I struggled most on the case actually, since I wanted a small form factor, yet choices seem to really limit amount of SATA connectors in the PSU's available. While I plan to start with two 1 TB drives (not as interested in RAID as merely a redundant back-up for all my computers on the network) I would like the ability to add more drives in the future.

Would love to know if this idea is good, bad or not even in the ballpark!

Total is about $350 without shipping or cost of OS.

Thanks in advance,
Larry

 

[Robie7642003]

PS: I don't seem to have done the links right to the items on Newegg. Could use some help on that too, I guess!

 

[WR2]

Two ways to fix the links:
(1) Just paste the URL into the forum for a link like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116069
(2) Use link icon in the toolbar & item description: ]item description[/url = Celeron D E1400 CPU

Given the amount you're about to spend you'll want to give the purpose built NAS systems in about the same price range. I know they don't have space for DVD burners but the files ARE networked.

Also consider adding storage to your existing PCs with internal, removable hard drives or external enclosures.
You could look at the older PCs you're currently using and see if one of them would make an acceptable NAS system. Then give some happy camper about due for a new PC an early upgrade.

 

[Robie7642003]

Thanks for the reply--links now fixed!

Yes, definitely considering the pre-built units. Actually already have a back-up HD with each computer, save a laptop. Was really looking for a single source redundant back-up...perhaps overkill. But with all the videos and family pics, etc...

Thanks again.

 

[WR2]

Was really looking for a single source redundant back-up...perhaps overkill. But with all the videos and family pics, etc...

A good backup plan should be a priority. Are you doing off-site backups as well?

 

[Robie7642003]

No. I have either internal or external HDs for each desktop computer with automated backup. But no offsite. I figured that a NAS would give one more level of insurance as well as make sharing much easier. (If nothing else, gives me an excuse for another project!)

 

[WR2]

An offsite backup can be as simple as storing a HDD in a secure place in your office at work or asking a relative to keep backup DVDs of your most important files. Fire, flood and tornado are just a few examples of why it makes sense to take your backup project to the next level.