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How to Build a NAS from Scratch: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how to build a DIY NAS from scratch using old hardware. Step-by-step guide on setup, best NAS OS, RAID, remote access, and data backup tips.
Saurab Thakur

Are you looking to build your own Network-Attached Storage (NAS) from scratch? A DIY NAS is an excellent way to store and access your data securely while saving money compared to pre-built solutions. Whether you want a media server, backup storage, or a private cloud, this guide will walk you through the entire process—from choosing hardware to setting up NAS software.

Building a NAS (Network-Attached Storage) allows you to store, manage, and access your files from anywhere. This guide will take you through the entire NAS setup from scratch, including hardware collection, OS installation, troubleshooting, and remote access with a subdomain. This is the ultimate guide for beginners, ensuring every single step is covered in extreme detail! The best part? I built this NAS completely free using an old, broken PC with a 2nd generation Intel Pentium processor—proving you don’t need expensive hardware or technical knowledge to do this!

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Why Build Your Own NAS?

  • Cost-Effective – DIY NAS solutions are often cheaper than commercial alternatives.
  • Customizable – Choose hardware and software based on your exact needs.
  • Enhanced Security – You control your data without relying on third-party services.
  • Expandable Storage – Easily upgrade storage as your needs grow.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Hardware

Before building your NAS, selecting the right hardware is crucial. Here’s what you’ll need:

1.1 Processor & RAM

  • Budget Option: Intel Pentium or AMD Athlon (suitable for basic file storage)
  • Mid-Range Option: Intel Core i3/i5 or AMD Ryzen 3/5 (good for media streaming and backups)
  • High-End Option: Intel Xeon or AMD Ryzen 7+ (for virtualization, heavy workloads)
  • RAM: At least 4GB (8GB+ recommended for smoother performance)

1.2 Storage Drives

  • HDDs vs. SSDs: HDDs are cost-effective for large storage, while SSDs offer speed.
  • RAID Support: Use multiple drives for redundancy (RAID 1, 5, or 10 recommended).
  • Example Setup: 2 x 4TB HDDs in RAID 1 for redundancy.

1.3 Motherboard & Power Supply

  • Motherboard: Must support enough SATA ports for your drives.
  • Power Supply: A reliable 300-500W PSU is sufficient.

1.4 Network Adapter

  • Gigabit Ethernet (1GbE) is standard.
  • 10GbE is recommended for high-speed networking (optional).

💡 Tip: Look for used server-grade hardware for a budget-friendly yet powerful NAS build.

You can use an old PC as your NAS. Here are the recommended specs:

1.5 Additional Hardware (Recommended but Optional)

  • UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply): Prevents corruption during power cuts
  • Cooling Fans: Helps maintain temperature
  • SATA Expansion Card: If your motherboard has limited SATA ports

Step 2: Assembling the NAS

  1. Install the CPU and RAM onto the motherboard.
  2. Mount the motherboard into the case.
  3. Connect storage drives to the SATA ports.
  4. Plug in the power supply and ensure all cables are secure.
  5. Attach the network cable to your router.

🛠️ Pro Tip: Use a well-ventilated case to prevent overheating.

    Step 3: Choosing & Installing NAS Software

    Best NAS Operating Systems

    Software Features Best For
    OpenMediaVault (OMV) User-friendly, lightweight Beginners
    TrueNAS ZFS support, powerful features Advanced users
    Unraid Virtualization support Media servers
    XigmaNAS Lightweight, BSD-based Performance-focused users

    Installing OpenMediaVault (Recommended for Beginners)

    1. Download OpenMediaVault (OMV) ISO from the official website.
    2. Use Rufus (Windows) or Balena Etcher (Mac/Linux) to create a bootable USB.
    3. Plug the USB into the NAS PC and boot from it.
    4. Choose the SSD as the installation drive (DO NOT install on your storage HDD).
    5. Set up a root password (important—save this somewhere safe).
    6. Once installed, remove the USB and restart the system.

    First-Time Setup of OMV

    1. Connect your NAS to the router via Ethernet.
    2. Find your NAS IP by running ipconfig (Windows) or ifconfig (Linux/Mac).
    3. Open a browser and go to http://192.168.X.X (replace with your NAS IP).
    4. Log in with:
      • Username: admin
      • Password: openmediavault (change immediately after logging in)

    Step 4: Configuring Storage in OpenMediaVault

    4.1 Mounting and Formatting the HDD

    1. Go to Storage → Disks and check if your HDD is detected.
    2. Navigate to Storage → File Systems, click Create, and format your HDD as ext4.
    3. Click Mount to activate the storage.

    4.2 Creating Shared Folders

    1. Go to Access Rights Management → Shared Folders.
    2. Click Add and create a new folder.
    3. Assign the folder to your mounted HDD.

    4.3 Enabling SMB for Windows Sharing

    1. Go to Services → SMB/CIFS.
    2. Enable the SMB service.
    3. Add your shared folder under SMB settings.
    4. On a Windows PC, open File Explorer and type \\192.168.X.X to access the NAS.

    Step 5: Configuring Automatic Power-On After Power Loss

    If you have frequent power cuts, you need to configure Restore AC Power Loss in BIOS.

    5.1 Enabling Auto Power-On in BIOS

    1. Restart your NAS and enter BIOS settings.
    2. Look for Power Management Settings.
    3. Find Restore AC Power Loss and set it to Power On.
    4. Save changes and exit BIOS.

    Now, whenever power is restored, your NAS will turn on automatically.

    Step 6: Remote Access with Tailscale

    Tailscale allows you to access your NAS remotely, securely, and without port forwarding.

    6.1 Installing Tailscale on NAS

    1. SSH into your NAS using PuTTY, CMD (Windows,) or Terminal (Linux/Mac). (ssh root@your-nas-ip).
    2. Run the following command to install Tailscale: 
      curl -fsSL https://tailscale.com/install.sh | sh
tailscale up
    3. Log into https://login.tailscale.com and approve your NAS.

    6.2 Accessing NAS Remotely

    • Use \100.X.X.X (Tailscale IP) from any device to access your NAS.

    Step 7: Securely Access Your NAS Using Your Own Domain & Cloudflare

    Follow the detailed steps to set up Cloudflare, Dynamic DNS (DDNS), SSL certificates, and Cloudflare Tunnel for secure remote access:

    Full Guide for Secure Remote Access with Cloudflare

    You may want to read this post :

    Step 8: Accessing NAS from a Smartphone

    8.1 Using Solid Explorer

    1. Install Solid Explorer from the Play Store.
    2. Open the app and select SMB/CIFS.
    3. Enter your NAS IP (192.168.X.X) and login credentials.
    4. You can now browse NAS files directly from your phone!

    8.2 Using Tailscale on Mobile

    1. Install Tailscale on your phone.
    2. Log in and connect to your NAS via its Tailscale IP (100.X.X.X).

    Conclusion

    You now have a fully functional NAS with: ✅ Automatic power-on after power loss ✅ Remote access via Tailscale ✅ Subdomain access via Cloudflare Tunnel ✅ Smartphone access via Solid Explorer

    By following this guide, you now have a fully functional, secure, and customizable NAS built from scratch. Whether you’re using it for backups, media streaming, or cloud storage, your DIY NAS is a cost-effective alternative to commercial solutions.

    Remember to keep your NAS updated and implement security measures to protect your data. If you have any questions or need help, drop a comment below! 🚀

    FAQs

    What is a NAS, and why should I build one from scratch?

    A Network-Attached Storage (NAS) is a dedicated device that provides centralized file storage accessible over a network. Building a NAS from scratch allows you to customize hardware, reduce costs, and select an operating system that best suits your needs, such as TrueNAS, OpenMediaVault, or Unraid. It’s ideal for personal backups, media streaming, or small business storage solutions.

    What are the minimum hardware requirements for a DIY NAS?

    At a minimum, a DIY NAS should have: Processor: Dual-core or higher (Intel/AMD) RAM: 4GB (8GB+ recommended for ZFS and virtualization) Storage: At least one HDD/SSD (expandable for RAID) Network: Gigabit Ethernet (for fast data transfer) Power Supply: A stable PSU to handle multiple drives For better performance, consider using ECC RAM (if supported) and a RAID setup for redundancy.

    What is the best free NAS operating system for beginners?

    For beginners, the best free NAS OS options include: TrueNAS Core – Powerful and feature-rich with ZFS support. OpenMediaVault (OMV) – Lightweight and beginner-friendly. Unraid (Freemium) – Great for virtualization and media storage. Rockstor – A Linux-based NAS with Btrfs support. XigmaNAS – Another FreeBSD-based NAS option.

    How do I install a NAS operating system on an old PC?

    Download your chosen NAS OS ISO file (e.g., TrueNAS, OMV). Create a bootable USB drive using Rufus or Balena Etcher. Boot your old PC from the USB drive (change BIOS settings if needed). Follow the installation wizard, selecting the SSD for the OS. Reboot and access the web interface via the assigned IP address.

    How do I set up RAID for my NAS?

    RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) improves storage reliability: RAID 0 – Fast but no redundancy. RAID 1 – Mirroring for redundancy. RAID 5/6 – Balances performance and fault tolerance. RAID 10 – Combines RAID 1 and 0 for speed and safety. Most NAS OS options like TrueNAS or OMV allow you to configure RAID during setup or via the web interface.

    How can I access my NAS remotely over the internet?

    To access your NAS remotely: Enable SSH or WebGUI access. Set up Dynamic DNS (DDNS) for a static address. Use VPN for secure remote access. Configure port forwarding (only if necessary) with strong authentication. For better security, use Tailscale or WireGuard VPN instead of opening ports directly.

    How do I prevent data loss on my DIY NAS?

    To protect your NAS data: Use RAID to prevent single drive failure. Set up automatic backups to another NAS or cloud storage. Use ZFS snapshots (TrueNAS) to recover files from accidental deletion. Keep a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) to prevent power-related corruption. Regularly check SMART health reports for drive failures.

    Can I use my NAS as a media server?

    Yes, you can turn your NAS into a media server using: Plex – For streaming movies, TV shows, and music. Jellyfin – A free and open-source alternative to Plex. Emby – A customizable media server with remote access. Kodi – For local media playback. Install these via Docker or the NAS OS plugin system for better performance.

    How much power does a DIY NAS consume?

    Power consumption depends on your hardware. A typical DIY NAS with 1-2 drives consumes 20W to 50W when idle and more when under load. To reduce power usage: Use energy-efficient drives like WD Red or Seagate IronWolf. Enable spindown for unused drives. Optimize CPU power-saving settings. Use a low-power motherboard and PSU.

    How do I set up automatic power-on after a power failure?

    To ensure your NAS turns on automatically after a power cut: Enter BIOS/UEFI settings when booting. Find Power Management / AC Recovery. Set it to "Power On" or "Last State". Save and exit BIOS. This ensures your NAS reboots automatically when power is restored, useful if you experience frequent power cuts.

    About the author

    Saurab Thakur
    Student, Photographer by Hobby, Blogger / Content Writer

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