In the digital age, data has become one of our most valuable assets. Whether it’s family photos, 4K videos, work documents, or personal film and television libraries, we all need a secure, stable, and efficient way to store and share them. The traditional solution is to purchase an off-the-shelf NAS (Network Attached Storage), but a Mini PC can easily serve as both a NAS and a home server, even surpassing off-the-shelf NAS in flexibility and cost-effectiveness. This blog will show you how to build your own home server using a Mini PC.
Why choose a Mini PC for a NAS?
High Cost-Effectiveness
Compared to off-the-shelf NAS systems from brands like Synology and QNAP, a Mini PC is often more affordable. Especially with those featuring multiple ports and a low-power CPU, these offer sufficient performance while also saving on budget.
Flexible and Customizable
While off-the-shelf NAS systems are easy to use, they are relatively closed systems with limited scalability. A Mini PC, on the other hand, allows you to freely install Windows, Linux, or specialized NAS systems (such as TrueNAS, OpenMediaVault, and Unraid), allowing you to flexibly customize it to your needs.
Higher Performance
The processors in Mini PCs (such as the Intel N100, i5/i7, and even the AMD Ryzen series) are often much more powerful than the low-power CPUs in traditional NAS systems, making them capable of handling complex tasks like multitasking, 4K video transcoding, and running Docker containers.
Energy-efficient and Quiet
Modern mini PCs consume as little as 10W-30W of power, significantly less energy than desktop servers. Most also feature fanless designs or low-noise fans, making them ideal for 24/7 operation.
Hardware Preparation: Choosing the Right Mini PC
Converting a Mini PC into a NAS requires crucial hardware selection.
Processor (CPU)
- If using it solely for file storage and lightweight tasks: A low-power processor like the Intel N100/J4125 is sufficient.
- If running Plex video transcoding or Docker containers: An Intel i5/i7 or AMD Ryzen 5/7 is recommended.
Memory (RAM)
8GB minimum, 16GB or higher recommended, as NAS systems often need to run caches, virtual machines, and containers.
Storage and Expansion
- System Drive: A 128GB/256GB SSD is sufficient for system installation.
- Data Drive: A large-capacity 3.5-inch or 2.5-inch HDD is recommended, connected via USB 3.0/3.2, a SATA docking station, or an external hard drive enclosure.
If the Mini PC has an NVMe slot, you can use the NVMe SSD as a cache to speed up file access.
Network Interface
A Gigabit Ethernet port is essential, but a 2.5G/5G/10G Ethernet port is even better.
Some Mini PCs also feature dual Ethernet ports, allowing for direct soft routing or link aggregation to increase bandwidth.
Other Key Points
- Cooling: Stable cooling is essential for long-term operation.
- Size: Mini PCs are compact and can be easily placed in a study, living room, or even a TV cabinet.
Software Selection and System Installation
The freedom of a Mini PC lies in the ability to choose from a variety of operating systems, prioritizing features based on your needs.
Windows + File Sharing
The simplest method is to enable SMB file sharing in Windows to quickly build a “simple NAS.”
- Pros: Easy to use, low learning curve.
- Cons: Not as stable and scalable as a professional NAS system.
Linux + Samba/Nextcloud
Linux distribution (Ubuntu/Debian) + Samba → File Sharing
Deploy Nextcloud → Create a home private cloud with web access and mobile syncing.
Suitable for hands-on users.
Professional NAS System
The most recommended method is to install the following systems:
- TrueNAS: Powerful ZFS file system with extremely high data security.
- OpenMediaVault (OMV): Lightweight and easy to use, based on Debian, suitable for home users.
- Unraid: Flexible disk management with support for Docker and virtualization.
These systems all have friendly web management interfaces that can easily implement functions such as hard disk arrays (RAID), permission management, and remote access.
Setup Example (Using OpenMediaVault)
- Prepare the boot disk: Download the OMV image and write it to a USB drive using Rufus.
- Install the system: Insert the USB drive into the Mini PC, set it to boot from USB, and begin the installation process.
- Configure the hard drive: Install the system on the SSD, using a large-capacity HDD as a data drive.
- Network configuration: Set a fixed IP address for easy access within the LAN.
- Install plugins: Common services such as Docker, Nextcloud, Plex, and Transmission (Bittorrent download).
- Enable SMB/NFS: Share folders, supporting access from Windows, Mac, Linux, and even TV boxes.
The entire process takes about 1-2 hours, and you’ll have a fully functional NAS.
Practical Application Scenarios
After setting up a Mini PC NAS, you can achieve a wide variety of functions:
Centralized Family File Management
Store all family members’ photos, videos, and documents in a unified location, eliminating the need for them to be scattered across various devices.
Multi-Platform Access
Access files from your computer, phone, or tablet via the LAN or remotely.
Media Center
- Install Plex or Jellyfin to easily create a private video library.
- Support subtitle downloads and 4K transcoding, turning your living room TV into a home theater in seconds.
Private Cloud
Use Nextcloud for syncing similar to iCloud and Google Drive, giving you complete control over your data.
Download and Backup
- Install Transmission/Aria2 → Automatic offline downloads.
- Scheduled backups of computer and phone data ensure data security.
Smart Home Hub
With Docker, you can run platforms like Home Assistant, turning your Mini PC into the “brain” of your smart home.
Precautions and Optimization Suggestions
Data Security
- Create a RAID 1/5/6 array to prevent data loss due to hard drive failure.
- Back up regularly to an external hard drive or cloud.
Remote Access Security
- Use a VPN or ZeroTier to establish a secure connection and avoid exposing the NAS ports directly.
- Configure a strong password and enable two-factor authentication.
Cooling and Stability
- Ensure adequate ventilation and cooling for the Mini PC for long-term stability.
- It is recommended not to mix system and data drives to avoid performance degradation.
Scalability
- If your data volume continues to grow, consider an external multi-bay hard drive enclosure.
- Future upgrades can involve replacing the HDD with a larger capacity or adding an SSD cache.
Summary
Using a mini PC to build a NAS and home server not only saves money but also offers greater flexibility and performance. For the average home user, this means:
- More secure and reliable data storage
- A smarter and more convenient home entertainment experience
- More freedom and flexibility in private cloud and application expansion
If you happen to have an unused mini PC lying around, give it a try—it might just become the core “brain” of your home network.
- AMD Ryzen 7 5825U 8 Cores Max 4.5GHz
- 32GB DDR4 RAM 1TB SSD
- HDMI+DP+Type-C Triple 4K Display
- WiFi 6 Bluetooth 5.2
- 2*USB3.0, 2*USB2.0, 2*2.5G RJ45, 1*TF Card Slot, 1*3.5mm Audio
- Dual-fan Cooling
- Intel N150 4 Cores Max 3.6GHz
- 16GB RAM 512GB SSD
- HDMI+DP+Type-C Triple 4K Display
- WiFi 6
- 2*USB3.0, 2*USB2.0, 2*2.5G LAN, 1*TF Card Slot, 1*3.5mm Audio Jack
- Dual-fan Cooling
