The day has finally come for me to create another network-attached-storage (NAS) for my data. My previous NAS, a DNS-323 unit, has carried me with 2 x 2 TB mirrored volumes for months, but this time around, I had several goals in mind.
First, since the file server will be running 24/7, energy efficiency was a priority. The box requires only 35 watts (less when the RAID1 array is idle) thanks to an Intel Atom-based motherboard and Western Digital Caviar Green hard drives. My DNS-323 requires less than half the power (~15 watts), but the pros definitely outweigh the cons in terms of functionality and performance.
Next, I wanted the build to be as minimal in cost as possible. FreeNAS provides me with a reliable, secure, and extensible operating system foundation which I can simply run off a USB thumb drive. Most of the hardware I purchased isn’t state-of-the-art because. There’s no keyboard, mouse, or monitor attached to the box. Hmmm, a barebone system with mediocre parts and a free operating system? That’s about as cheap as you’re gonna get. 😀
Finally, I may not need more than 2 TB right now, but in the future, it may become necessary. With the motherboard’s PCI slot, I can add several more SATA ports for additional hard drives making the option to upgrade feasible and easy.
DNS-323 (my first NAS) sitting atop the new build 
PSU, Mobo, RAM, HDDs installed. Need some major wire management strategy here. 😀 
Side-mounted hard drive
In other news, I’ve made some minor adjustments to this site’s template to incorporate Google’s Font repository on the spur of a moment. Also, the Poll has been moved into the collapsible/rearrangeable sidebar framework.
It seems like whenever I have a break from rotations, I instinctively go back to my “happy place” with technology. 🙂
I found myself drifting back over to newegg yesterday for the first time in months. Must resist the urge to get expensive computer stuff. 😛