How to Build a $100 NAS Storage Server in 2024

If you are running out of space on your main computer and are considering purchasing a network storage system. Tech By Matt has created a fantastic tutorial on how to build a NAS for only $100. In an era of ever-increasing digital content, the need for reliable and affordable data storage solutions has never been more pressing. Building a storage server on a tight budget may seem like an impossible task, but with careful planning, ingenuity, and a little DIY spirit, it’s an achievable 2024 goal.

This guide, currently produced by Tech By Matt, will walk you through the process of assembling a versatile, self-contained network attached storage (NAS) that can be used for many purposes such as file hosting, personal cloud storage, media streaming and even server hosting games, all without breaking the bank. Building a NAS storage server on a $100 budget is both challenging and rewarding. The primary goal is to build a system that can handle a variety of tasks including: file hosting, personal cloud storage, media streaming, and game server hosting.

Meticulous planning and ingenuity are required to achieve these functionalities within budget. By selecting components wisely and making strategic upgrades, you can create a powerful and versatile data storage solution that punches above its weight in terms of price.

Choosing the perfect base system

The basis of a low-cost storage server is a carefully selected base system. Look for a pre-built PC with the following specifications:

• Modern quad-core processor
• 8 GB RAM
• Multiple drive bays
• PCIe slots for future expansion

Platforms like eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace are great sources for finding affordable, pre-built PCs that meet these criteria. For this project, the HP EliteDesk 800 G3 with an Intel Core i5-6500 processor and 8 GB RAM, costing only $41.68, was chosen. This powerful base system provides a solid foundation for your storage server while leaving room in your budget for necessary upgrades.

Building a NAS for $100

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Preparing the system for updating

Before starting the upgrade process, it is important to ensure that the underlying system is clean and fully functional. Take the time to remove dust and thoroughly clean the components to prevent overheating issues across the board. Turn on the system and verify that the BIOS recognizes all hardware components. This step is necessary to avoid potential problems during the update process and to ensure a smooth installation of the operating system later.

Once the base system is ready, it’s time to make strategic upgrades to meet the requirements of the storage server. To meet the demand for large storage capacity, two 2TB Seagate 7200 RPM drives have been added, each priced at $18. These drives provide a total of 4TB of storage space for storing files, media, and other data.

Strategic improvements for maximum performance

For a fast and responsive boot drive, a 128GB Samsung NVMe SSD was selected for $9.99. This SSD ensures fast boot times and fast performance when accessing frequently used files and applications.

To further improve system performance, an identical 8GB stick of RAM was purchased for $9.87, bringing the total RAM capacity to 16GB. This update enables the storage server to handle multiple tasks simultaneously without slowdowns or bottlenecks.

Once you’ve gathered all the components, it’s time to assemble the storage server. Start by installing the additional RAM, making sure it is properly seated in its designated slots. Then install the NVMe SSD into the appropriate M.2 slot on the motherboard.

For hard drives, due to the lack of official mounting hardware, a temporary zip solution was used to secure them in the case. Although not the most elegant approach, this cost-effective method ensures disk stability and protection from vibration.

Installation and configuration of the NAS operating system

TrueNAS Scale was selected as the operating system for this storage server due to its robust features, user-friendly interface, and active community support. To install TrueNAS Scale, create a bootable installer using a spare USB drive and the provided ISO image.

Before installing, enter your system BIOS and disable Secure Boot to ensure compatibility with your operating system. Once installation is complete, access the TrueNAS Scale web interface to configure storage pools, user accounts, and sharing protocols. This step is crucial for setting up your system for file hosting and network sharing.

Additional features

Once you’ve assembled your storage server and installed the operating system, it’s time to test it. Start by setting up an SMB share and transferring files to and from the server to test the speed and reliability of your network. This test ensures that the server will be able to handle file hosting tasks efficiently.

Then check out some additional features that can add functionality and value to your server:

• Personal Cloud: Set up a personal cloud with Nextcloud, enabling remote file access and collaboration features.
• Game server hosting: Install and configure a Minecraft server to host multiplayer games for friends and family.
• Media streaming: Use popular apps like Plex or Jellyfin to stream movies, TV shows, and music from your storage server to various devices.

These additional features demonstrate the versatility of a DIY storage server and provide a range of applications beyond simple file hosting. Building a functional storage server on a $100 budget is an achievable goal for 2024 thanks to the availability of affordable, off-the-shelf systems and strategic upgrades. By following this guide and taking advantage of the capabilities of the HP EliteDesk 800 G3, you can create a versatile DIY NAS that serves many purposes, from file hosting and personal cloud storage to media streaming and gaming server hosting. Remember that the key to success in this project is careful planning, resourcefulness, and a willingness to learn and adapt. Here are some other articles you might be interested in about NAS systems:

Video and image credit: Tech by Matt

Filed Under: DIY projects, Top news

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