Raspberry Pi NAS: A DIY Experiment Reveals Why Old PCs Still Reign Supreme
A Network Attached Storage (NAS) device offers a compelling solution for home users seeking to centralize data, reduce cloud subscription costs, and enhance data privacy. But how much computing power is really needed to build one? One experimenter set out to discover the answer by constructing a NAS using a Raspberry Pi, and the results highlight the enduring value of repurposing older hardware.
The Allure of the DIY NAS
Simple NAS setups, focused solely on data backups and eschewing additional services, don’t demand significant processing power. Even a decade-old PC can often handle the task without issue. This accessibility fuels the appeal of building a NAS from scratch, offering a cost-effective alternative to pre-built solutions.
Raspberry Pi: From Zero to 4 – A Gradual Improvement
The initial foray into a Raspberry Pi-powered NAS began with the Pi Zero, but the experience proved frustrating. It was slow, difficult to configure, and ultimately impractical. A Raspberry Pi 4, however, offered a considerably improved experience. The builder started with Raspberry Pi OS Lite, prioritizing system resource efficiency. Crucially, automatic Wi-Fi connection and SSH access were enabled to avoid the need for a monitor and keyboard during setup.
The installation of OpenMediaVault (OMV) simplified the process further. OMV provides a comprehensive suite of NAS features out-of-the-box, eliminating the need for manual configuration. The installation command is: sudo wget -O - https://github.com/OpenMediaVault-Plugin-Developers/installScript/raw/master/install | sudo bash.
Initial Tests and the ZFS Upgrade
The first iteration of the NAS served as a proof of concept, ironing out initial problems and testing the Pi’s capabilities. While relatively few issues arose, the builder noted that flash drives limited backup speeds. This led to an upgrade: refurbished hard drives paired with a ZFS file system, which ran reliably for several weeks.
The Fatal Flaw: Intermittent Drive Disconnects
Despite the improvements, a critical issue emerged: the drives would periodically disconnect. This problem proved unsolvable, rendering the entire setup unreliable for automatic backups. Ultimately, the drives were migrated to an old PC, which has since operated flawlessly.
Leveling Up: What a Raspberry Pi NAS Needs
If attempting to build a Raspberry Pi NAS again, several key changes would be necessary.
Buy a Raspberry Pi 5
The most significant upgrade would be to a Raspberry Pi 5. While the Raspberry Pi 4 is capable, its reliance on a microSD card or USB drive for booting presents a potential reliability concern for a device designed for 24/7 operation and substantial data throughput. The Raspberry Pi 5’s M.2 PCIe SSD slot allows for the installation of a proper solid-state drive, significantly reducing the risk of boot drive failure and improving sustained read-write performance. Even though PCIe 3.0 is now a bit older, it is still much faster than even the fast microSD cards.
Buy a SATA Hat
Early attempts with USB-connected drives revealed a frustrating tendency for drives to disconnect inexplicably. Dedicated SATA hats are available for both the Pi 4 and Pi 5, offering a more stable connection solution.
Should You Build a Raspberry Pi NAS?
A Raspberry Pi NAS can be a fun and practical project for those interested in tinkering or lacking alternative hardware. However, a broader recommendation against it is warranted. While distributions like TruNAS simplify NAS setup, they currently lack official support for Arm64 systems. Furthermore, the Raspberry Pi lineup lacks dedicated SATA ports, its single M.2 NVMe SSD port is a bit slow, and it may struggle with resource-intensive “home server” applications.
Instead, repurposing a used PC—sourced from a yard sale or online marketplace—is generally the more sensible approach. These older machines offer greater capability, upgradeability, and reliability. While a dedicated Pi isn’t ideal as a primary NAS, it is a valuable tool for experimenting and determining whether a more substantial investment in a dedicated NAS or mini PC is worthwhile. As one builder discovered, even a touchy and unreliable Pi NAS can be enough to spark the desire for a more robust, long-term solution, ultimately leading to a more reliable system built around an old Windows PC.
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