What NAS to buy (small and good)

[Miguel2013]

I have a ssd 120gb lying around that's all I need of space for now as network storage, I don't know much about nas and I'm wondering if buying one with storage built-in would be better? I don't need raid setups cause that will jack up the price a lot I'm sure, I'm looking for something not more than 35$ to own a local network atached storage.

 

[Jetster]

Some routers have a USB plug on them for attached storage. That would be your best option if you need to access from more than one PC. Otherwise just use drive internally and you can map the drive

Typical NAS storage start at $230 without drives. Because its actually a PC.

 

[Miguel2013]

@Jetster the comcast gateway i have comes with 2 usb ports but when connecting a usb pen drive to it nothing happens on network browser or the web interface. Is there a way to find it? if possible.

 

[notb]

the comcast gateway i have comes with 2 usb ports but when connecting a usb pen drive to it nothing happens on network browser or the web interface. Is there a way to find it? if possible.

Manual?

 

[Miguel2013]

Manual?

I looked last night at the manual, it only says I can attach compatible devices to the usb port not how to browse its file system or maybe it doesn't do storage I'm still clueless. I don't think you'll find it in the manual, I may just have to call.

 

[Jetster]

You might have to log into it and turn the feature on. I'm sure Comcast disables them. Google the model for the default log in

 

[Miguel2013]

You might have to log into it and turn the feature on. I'm sure Comcast disables them. Google the model for the default log in

I looked on google search and a comcast forum post says I can't use the ports other than charging something. apparently no switch to turn.

 

[Vulcansheart]

I really don't think it's a NAS you're looking for. Why not get a SATA to USB adapter (like $7 on amazon) and plug it directly into your computer. Setting up a DIY NAS sounds like it will be beyond your budget and skillset (no offense)

EDIT
Okay, it's $9. I have this exact one and it works great:
https://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-2-5-...t+usb+to+sata&qid=1551145468&s=gateway&sr=8-3

 

[Miguel2013]

@Vulcansheart What makes you think I don't know what I'm doing? I need a network available storage, being a usb drive or another drive and that means always on not when my computer is on, I wanna access it from at least 2 different computers, I want the main file to be on the network cause I have to have syncronized the same folder in both computers so my idea was to sync it from the network, is easier that way to maintain an updated file. that way I can always open the latest version of the file no matter what pc in my lan I use, and can sync folders any time.

 

[Vulcansheart]

@Vulcansheart What makes you think I don't know what I'm doing? I need a network available storage, being a usb drive or another drive and that means always on not when my computer is on, I wanna access it from at least 2 different computers, I want the main file to be on the network cause I have to have syncronized the same folder in both computers so my idea was to sync it from the network, is easier that way to maintain an updated file. that way I can always open the latest version of the file no matter what pc in my lan I use, and can sync folders any time.

Because you literally said you were "clueless" in your third post after trying to plug the drive into your comcast provided CPE. Again, I wasn't trying to offend you, just trying to level with your skillset to get you results.

If you are heartfelt on creating a NAS, try utilizing an old PC or laptop. Load up FreeNAS or OpenMediaVault (debian linux distros). Assign your USB storage as a mounted SMB/SAMBA file share, then build user accounts with ACL rights that match your netbios logon accounts so that the file shares reconnect automatically.

 

[Miguel2013]

@Vulcansheart I'm not going to buy a 50$ desktop or laptop for doing nas stuff, is a waste of screen keyboard case plus the fans and the size of them is bigger and just doesn't look profesional.

 

[Vulcansheart]

I didn't mean to purchase one. Lot's of people have old desktops/laptops laying around unused. A NAS is literally just a small PC. It doesn't need a screen, keyboard or mouse once you have it setup. Just power and ethernet.

I just found a perfect NAS candidate on craigslist in my local area for $30...

 

[notb]

I didn't mean to purchase one. Lot's of people have old desktops/laptops laying around unused. A NAS is literally just a small PC. It doesn't need a screen, keyboard or mouse once you have it setup. Just power and ethernet.

I just found a perfect NAS candidate on craigslist in my local area for $30...

Perfect if you have a huge house and can find a place to put this piece of junk.
The whole point of NAS is that it is purpose-built and (as you said) small. Many of them are made visually attractive so that you don't have to hide them in the basement.

I really don't think it's a NAS you're looking for. Why not get a SATA to USB adapter (like $7 on amazon) and plug it directly into your computer.

How do you know it isn't? He didn't say much about his needs. He said he wants a NAS. A NAS has some obvious properties that a drive connected to a PC doesn't.

Setting up a DIY NAS sounds like it will be beyond your budget and skillset (no offense)

Well, if it isn't, why not learn it? We should encourage him to do it. Isn't this a PC enthusiast forum after all?

Unlike overclocking, undervolting, gaming and benchmarking, setting a simple home server (and understanding what is happening) is actually a surprisingly useful skill - for both private and professional lives.
You just can't underestimate how basic knowledge of networks, servers and services may some day help you at work - even if you're an accountant or a lawyer.

Okay, it's $9. I have this exact one and it works great:
https://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-2-5-...t+usb+to+sata&qid=1551145468&s=gateway&sr=8-3

Even putting aside the NAS vs PC issue, I don't think a loose drive connected with a cable will meet everyone's expectations for robustness, looks and practicality...

 

[Vulcansheart]

My sincere apologies for directing the OP to build a NAS from a recycled PC. What a ridiculous idea in hindsight.

Here's a 1-bay diskless NAS ready for your 120GB SSD.

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod...cription=nas&cm_re=nas-_-22-108-418-_-Product

 

[silkstone]

You could always use a Raspberry Pi. It fits your budget, you'd just need to add a USB HDD dock/caddy.

They work well enough for small home networks and are fairly easy to set up.

 

[Miguel2013]

Does this nas posted by friend, work with ssds 120gb or only with with hdds of certain size? the manual says hdds of 2.5 or 3.5" it doesn't mention capacities or nand memory.

 

[notb]

Does this nas posted by friend, work with ssds 120gb or only with with hdds of certain size? the manual says hdds of 2.5 or 3.5" it doesn't mention sizes or nand memory.

For each NAS you'll have to check the specs on website or manual. Drive compatibility varies. But in general SSD should work (they are still disks, it's the same interface) and that Synology in particular supports TRIM.

 

[Miguel2013]

because of Trim does it mean it supports ssd? is trim ssd related only? It's an ATA command correct? I read a little bit a bout it.
And yes I looked at the manual for the synology it doesn't specify hard drive capacities only size of the drive.

 

[phill]

I love my home made Synology NAS, best thing I ever done.. Not massively small but it works a treat Setup in a Fractical Node 804 case

 

[notb]

because of Trim does it mean it supports ssd? is trim ssd related only? It's an ATA command correct? I read a little bit a bout it.
And yes I looked at the manual for the synology it doesn't specify hard drive capacities only size of the drive.

This is where you can find compatible disks, but it only includes NAS-specific models - as it should.
https://www.synology.com/en-global/compatibility?search_by=products&model=DS119j&category=hdds&p=1

Yes, TRIM is an instruction introduced for SSDs. It's an answer to differences in how writing works on HDD and SSD.

An if you'd actually open the product page of that NAS, you'd see it literally says "SSD TRIM":
https://www.synology.com/en-global/products/DS119j#specs
So maybe you don't care so much after all? Leave it, save the money.

 

[Miguel2013]

@notb so not mine then? my ssd is not 1tb all the ones there are 1tb 2tb 16tb etc. I'll see about this. and yes I'd love to own it. very much

 

[John Naylor]

A HD docking bay would work just fine .... and start at $25 ... USB 2, USB3 or e-SATA models available.

either attach to your router or any USB port on your box and share the drive ... that model will accomodate two drives either 3.5" or 2.5"

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod...r=BESTMATCH&Description=blacx&N=-1&isNodeId=1

here's an example of using your roueter's USB port ... see pages 49 and 82

https://dlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/...68.120398863.1551388926-2068198953.1551388926

 

[Miguel2013]

Is a netgear stora nas + 2tb hdd for 100$ good deal? it comes with gigabit ethernet, 256MB ram, sata support, support linux clients.
https://www.netgear.com/upload/product/ms2110/stora_ms2110_ds_12nov09.pdf