Building your Network-Attached Storage (NAS) server is like building a custom PC. If you're using standard PC parts, the process is similar in almost every way. You'll need to consider the processor, RAM, motherboard, storage drives, expansion cards, and operating system. Having built a few custom NAS servers over the years, I'm going to summarize some things I've learned while building DIY NAS systems.
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1 It's easy to build an overkill NAS
Easily build a powerful server
My first server with TrueNAS for the office consisted of an AMD Ryzen 7 3700X, 32GB of DDR4 RAM, and a powerful MicroATX motherboard. This 8-core CPU was much more powerful than what you find in most pre-built NAS enclosures from Synology and other brands. I only needed to store some files and run an internal website, both of which are everyday tasks for such a powerful system. Downgrading to a TerraMaster T6-423 was a good choice because it has a power-efficient Intel processor, can be equipped with 32GB of RAM, and has six drive bays for plenty of storage.
You probably won't need anything as powerful as a regular desktop PC, but these are the parts you'll be using unless you're looking to buy older server hardware through classifieds sites. The great thing about NAS is that any system can be used as long as it meets the requirements of one of the available operating systems. This lets you reuse older hardware, such as a desktop PC, rather than throwing it in the trash. We've covered using old PCs as the basis for a NAS on XDA, and there are some handy guides on what to look out for.
Do you need an 8-core processor and 32GB of RAM for a NAS? No, but it will allow you to get into virtualization, run Docker containers, and more.
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2 There is a wide selection
Which operating system is best for you?
TrueNAS, Open Media Vault (OMV), Unraid, Xynology, Ubuntu, Proxmox, Rockstor, and FreedomBox are just a few of the options available for a NAS operating system. Some are better suited to storing large amounts of data and running some apps than others, but depending on what you plan to use the device for, there is an operating system available. Open Media Vault and TrueNAS are recommended for general NAS deployments, but you can also use desktop systems like Ubuntu or Windows 11.
Having used TrueNAS, OMV and Unraid in live environments, I can say that each of these operating systems has its pros and cons. Like the specs of your NAS, the best operating system depends on what you plan to use the device for. They have different features suited to different applications. Unraid is a commercial software that does things (especially RAID) differently than TrueNAS or OMW, both of which are free. Unraid is considered easier to install and get up and running, making it a good choice for beginners. There is a free 30-day trial available.
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3 You will want to do everything yourself
It's a deep rabbit hole
Once you've started building your own servers, you'll want to try your hand at other hardware, such as a router, web server, game server, media server, or other system. This is a delicate undertaking that will introduce you to a whole new world outside of what's available by spending as little time as possible on your router's web administration page. The service provider's standard network equipment may even start to look basic and outdated, which can be remedied with an upgraded router, switch, and access point(s).
If you need ideas for your first homelabs, we've put together a list of easy Raspberry Pi projects worth trying. Keep things simple at first. Use your NAS as the heart of the LAN and build from there. A home office or a room where you can house all your tech is a great way to keep everything neat and organized, especially if you're working with lots of Ethernet cables.
When you build your own NAS, you also have to work out everything that makes it work. Synology and other brands try their best to keep everything simple, whereas an operating system like TrueNAS gives you all the tools you need and more. You'll need to learn about RAID (if you're using one), configure the software to your liking, set up protocols for remote connections, and more.