I Replaced My Synology NAS with a Custom-Built Proxmox Server
After years of using my Synology NAS primarily for storing work images and media files for Plex, I decided it was time to regain control of my data. What began as simple storage gradually transformed into a home lab setup. However, when the NAS started trying to handle too many tasks simultaneously, it failed to keep up.
Building my own server was always on my agenda for home lab experiments, and finally, the moment arrived. Now, the NAS will focus solely on archiving files, while the new server will take on more demanding workloads.
The Shift in Needs
It surprised me how long it took to recognize that my requirements had changed and that action was necessary. The decision to move away from the Synology NAS was partly motivated by the company's shortcomings, but it had been developing over time.
Hardware Constraints
- My mini PC is capped at 12GB RAM with no possibility for upgrades.
- The Synology NAS can reportedly support up to 64GB of RAM but lacks GPU support for workload acceleration.
- Both devices had hit their limits in storage capacity and performance.
"The mini PC is limited to 12GB of RAM, which is not upgradeable, and the NAS enclosure can handle 64GB, I think, but I can't use a GPU for accelerating workloads on that machine, and I've run out of drive bays at any rate."
About This Project
The hardware used in this build was supplied by SilverStone, Asus, and Kingston. None of these companies reviewed or influenced the article's content prior to publication.
Summary
This transition highlights how evolving home lab demands can outgrow commercial NAS and mini PC solutions, making custom-built servers an optimal choice for performance and scalability.