Reclaiming Control of My Data
When I first started using a Synology NAS, it served as storage for work images and media files for Plex. It wasn't intended as a home lab but gradually evolved into one over time. Eventually, it became overloaded trying to run too many tasks simultaneously and failed at handling them all.
Transition to a Custom-Built Server
Building my own server was always on my roadmap for home lab experimentation, and now the time has come. The NAS will return to its original role of storing archival files, while the new custom server will manage more intensive workloads effectively.
Hardware and Limitations
The mini PC I used had only 12GB of RAM, which couldn't be upgraded. The NAS enclosure supports up to 64GB, but it lacks the ability to use a GPU for workload acceleration, and I've run out of available drive bays.
"While the company's missteps certainly hastened this decision, it's been brewing for a while."
About This Article
- Hardware for this project was contributed by SilverStone, Asus, and Kingston.
- None of these companies reviewed or influenced the content before publication.
The delay in making this move surprised me; it took too long to realize that my requirements had surpassed what the Synology NAS and mini PC could provide.
"The simple fact is that my home lab needs have outgrown the available resources on my Synology NAS or on my mini PC."
Author's summary: Upgrading from a Synology NAS to a custom-built Proxmox server was overdue to meet growing home lab demands and heavy computing needs efficiently.