I Built the Jonsbo N2 NAS - Better than Synology / QNAP? (Full Build Tutorial) - 100K Sub Special

NASCompares・2 minutes read

The speaker builds a DIY NAS system from scratch for their 100,000 subscriber special video, opting for an affordable setup with upgraded components, documenting the build process and offering comparisons to other NAS systems on the market. Despite being a cost-effective option, DIY NAS systems require more skills and time for setup compared to pre-built solutions, offering customization but potentially sacrificing convenience and warranties.

Insights

  • Building a DIY NAS system from scratch can offer significant cost savings compared to pre-built options like TS 664, DS 920, DS 423, IS 6706T, and T6 423 6B, with the DIY setup costing around £350 without delivery, showcasing the financial benefits of customization and hands-on assembly.
  • While TurnKey solutions provide convenience and warranties, DIY NAS systems require more time and skill for setup but are praised for their well-designed components, making them an appealing choice for budget-conscious users willing to invest effort into customization and assembly.

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Recent questions

  • How can I build a NAS from scratch?

    To build a NAS from scratch, you will need components like a motherboard, case, power supply, and SATA cables. Begin by selecting a pre-made motherboard with necessary features like SATA connectors and a fan connector. Choose a case with ample drive bays for storage. Install the PSU carefully, connecting necessary cables like Molex connectors. Thread the SATA cables early for easy installation later. Connect the main controller board, SATA drives, and power everything correctly. Install unraid on a USB drive and set up the server. Ensure drives are securely installed with rubber seals and hooks. Boot the system, access BIOS, and initialize the OS for a functional NAS.

  • What are the benefits of a DIY NAS system?

    A DIY NAS system offers cost savings compared to pre-built options in the market. While it requires more effort and time for setup, it allows for customization with advanced components. DIY NAS systems are praised for their well-put-together design, offering a budget-friendly option for users willing to invest time in building and configuring their NAS. However, it may have some drawbacks like a slightly noisy fan and tray concerns. Overall, a DIY NAS system is suitable for those with limited budgets and a willingness to dedicate time to the setup process.

  • What tools are needed for unraid installation?

    To install unraid, you will need a USB drive with a minimum speed of 100 Megs. Tools like UNR Creator or Rufus can be used to prepare the USB drive for unraid installation. Format the USB drive to FAT32 and make it bootable by deleting unnecessary files. Ensure compatibility with the USB drive by using the USB Creator tool or Rufus. These tools will help you set up unraid on your DIY NAS system efficiently.

  • How do I troubleshoot PSU issues in a DIY NAS?

    If your PSU fails to work in your DIY NAS system, it may indicate a need for replacement. Ensure that the PSU fan rotates and LEDs light up upon installation. Connecting the PSU and fan correctly is crucial for successful boot-up and system functionality. If the PSU fails to work even after correct installation, consider replacing it with a new one to ensure proper power supply to your NAS components.

  • What are the cost savings of a DIY NAS system?

    Comparing the cost of a DIY NAS system with 4GB of memory to other similar systems in the market reveals significant savings. The DIY option costs around £350 without delivery, offering a budget-friendly alternative to pre-built NAS solutions. While DIY NAS systems require more skills and time for setup, they provide cost savings and customization options for users looking to build their NAS from scratch.

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Summary

00:00

"Building Affordable NAS from Scratch"

  • The speaker discusses reaching 100,000 subscribers and brainstorming ideas for content.
  • They realize they have never built a NAS from scratch on their channel.
  • They decide to create a NAS from scratch for their 100,000 sub special video.
  • The speaker aims to build an affordable NAS with upgraded components.
  • They choose a pre-made motherboard, the N5105, with a Celeron processor and 4GB of memory.
  • The motherboard includes a 128GB SSD for the OS.
  • The speaker also selects a JNB case with six bays for the build.
  • The total cost for the components is $149 for the motherboard and $125 for the case.
  • Additional components include a 400W SFX power supply for $40 and a SATA fan out cable for $11.59.
  • The speaker unpacks the components, noting the packaging and condition of each item, and begins the assembly process.

14:42

"Hot UK weather complicates camera rig assembly"

  • The weather in the UK is extremely hot, making it uncomfortable to work with cameras and lighting rigs.
  • To access the internal fan, thumb screws need to be removed.
  • The internal fan, branded jbow, is removed to thread the Sata multi-lane cable and fan power cable.
  • The main board features five SATA connectors and a fan connector powered by Molex connectors from the PSU.
  • The SATA multi-lane cable needs to be threaded early to accommodate the PSU and controller board later.
  • Numbered cables are crucial for connecting to individual SATA ports, with angled cables recommended.
  • The PSU is carefully installed, ensuring separation of necessary cables like Molex connectors.
  • The Molex connectors are connected to the PSU, with the bottom one recommended for easier installation.
  • The fan connector is attached to the designated port, and cables are organized in the case cavity.
  • The main controller board is installed, followed by connecting SATA drives and powering the board correctly.

29:57

"Successful PSU Installation and Unraid Setup"

  • Before installing front header pins, consult the manual to avoid device damage; these pins control LEDs and power functions.
  • Despite correct installation, the PSU failed to work, indicating a need for replacement.
  • After receiving a new PSU, successful installation and power-up were achieved.
  • The PSU fan should rotate and LEDs should light up upon installation; failure to do so may necessitate an RMA.
  • Connecting the PSU and fan correctly led to successful boot-up and system functionality.
  • To install unraid, prepare a USB drive with a minimum speed of 100 Megs, using tools like UNR Creator or Rufus.
  • Unraid installation can be done using the USB Creator tool or Rufus, ensuring compatibility with the USB drive.
  • For unraid installation, format the USB drive to FAT32 and make it bootable by deleting unnecessary files.
  • Utilize different hard drives of varying capacities for unraid setup, taking advantage of its flexibility.
  • Drive installation for unraid may require manual preparation, as the case lacks traditional drive trays, but allows for diverse drive usage.

43:24

"Efficiently Install and Set Up Drives"

  • Install rubber sealers in four corners of the drive, leaving the top for the rubber handle.
  • Screw the sealers into individual corners, ensuring not to overtighten them.
  • Install the rubber seals at the top and bottom, adjusting the handle direction as needed.
  • Tighten the screws with a screwdriver for the handles.
  • Install drives by aligning them with SATA ports and using rubber seals for secure fitting.
  • Ensure the drives click into place securely.
  • Utilize the rubber sealed hooks inside the casing for additional drive installation.
  • Connect a USB drive to a rear port for system setup.
  • Boot the system, access BIOS, and override to boot from the NVMe SSD with pre-installed pfSense.
  • Initialize the unRAID OS, set up the server, assign drives, and utilize Nerd Tools plugin for enhanced functionality.

57:45

Cost-effective DIY NAS system vs. TurnKey solutions

  • Comparing the cost of a DIY NAS system with 4 gig of memory to other similar systems in the market, such as the TS 664, DS 920, DS 423, IS 6706T, and T6 423 6B, reveals significant savings, with the DIY option costing around £350 without delivery.
  • While the DIY NAS system offers cost savings, it requires more skills and time for setup compared to TurnKey solutions, which provide a closed, ready-to-go system with warranties, potentially saving time and offering peace of mind.
  • The DIY NAS system, although requiring more effort in building and setup, is praised for its well-put-together design, with the exception of a slightly noisy fan and some tray concerns, making it a suitable choice for those with time to spare and a limited budget.
  • Detailed steps and photos for building the DIY NAS system will be provided in an upcoming article, catering to users interested in customizing their NAS setup with advanced components from sources like AliExpress.
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