Tech Tip Minute: Affordable NAS Solution

Jun 25, 2024

Tech Tip Minute: Affordable NAS Solution

Viral Trend: Snatch and Smash

  • Description: Elderly man snatching and smashing phones, 6M views on TikTok.
  • Debunked: Fake news, same guy in different hat, LinkedIn shows contracts at Google and Apple.
  • Promotion Theory: Stunt to promote iCloud and Google One.

Safeguarding Data Affordably

NAS Device Overview

  • Highlighted Device: Friendly ELEC CM3588 NAS
    • Cost: Similar to 2TB/year cloud storage
    • Processor: ARM-based Rockchip
    • Power Efficiency: 2 amp 12V input
    • Kit Cost: $35
    • Kit Features:
      • 2.5 gig Ethernet
      • 3 HDMI ports (1 in, 2 out)
      • USB 3, USB-C
      • Micro SD slot
      • 4 full-sized M.2 PCIe Gen 3 slots
    • Additional Costs: Price with upgrades to 160 USD

NAS Setup and Operation

  • Memory & Storage:
    • 4 gigs DDR4X or upgrades to 8/16 gigs
    • No onboard storage by default, can use SD slot or Compute Board
    • SSD Example: 4TB MP34 drives from Teen Group ($165 each)
  • Modularity: Future upgrades possible, e.g., SATA version or PCI Express slot
  • Application: Suitable for photo/movie backup, video streaming server (e.g., Plex, Jellyfin)
  • Flexibility: Users can choose lower-capacity drives and expand later

Advantages of NAS vs. External Hard Drives

  • Single Point Failure: External hard drives are a single point of failure
  • Network Sharing: NAS can be shared on a network
  • Security: Less risk from malware/malfunction
  • 3-2-1 Backup Rule: Three copies of data, two types of media, one off-site

Software and Configuration

  • OS: Open Media Vault (OMV), TrueNAS alternative
  • Installation: Uses Google Drive for files and instructions
  • Setup Time: 25 minutes
  • RAID Configuration: RAID 5 for balance of protection and capacity (11.2 TB usable capacity)

Performance

  • Data Transfer: Saturates 2.5 gig interface
  • CPU Usage: Substantial, yet efficient
  • Silent Operation: No fans, silent and cool

Plugins and Additional Features

  • Photoprism: AI-powered photo library
  • PhotoSync: Syncs photos from phone to NAS and back

Sponsored Segment: Supermicro

  • Product Line: High-performance servers for AI and machine learning
  • Features: Petascale, 1U/2U storage servers, PCIe Gen 5 NVMe SSDs, AMD EPYC 9004 series, 24 DIMM slots
  • Power Supply: 2000W redundant titanium level
  • SuperCloud Composer: Unified cloud management dashboard

Conclusion and Recommendation

  • Cost Comparison: $160 for 32 TB vs. $600/year for 10 TB on cloud
  • Value: Strong recommendation for the Friendly ELEC NAS due to cost efficiency and modularity.