Latest news with #OpenMediaVault
Geeky Gadgets
3 days ago
- Geeky Gadgets
Build a 4-Bay NAS with a Raspberry Pi 5 : Swappable Drives and RAID 5
What if you could build your own high-performance, scalable data storage solution for a fraction of the cost of commercial options? Imagine a sleek, compact system with swappable drives, RAID 5 redundancy, and the power to handle your growing digital library—all powered by the versatile Raspberry Pi 5. This isn't just a dream for tech enthusiasts; it's a practical, cost-effective solution that combines innovative hardware with the flexibility of 3D-printed components. Whether you're a data hoarder, a media streamer, or simply someone who values control over their storage, this exploration will show you how to create a custom NAS that's as functional as it is future-proof. In this guide, Michael Klements explains how to transform the Raspberry Pi 5 into a 4-bay NAS with modular hardware, a custom-designed enclosure, and OpenMediaVault software for seamless management. We'll walk you through the essentials—from assembling the hardware and configuring RAID 5 for data redundancy to optimizing performance and addressing common challenges. Along the way, you'll discover how to design a 3D-printed case with swappable drive trays, making sure easy upgrades and maintenance. By the end, you'll not only have a powerful storage solution but also the satisfaction of having built it yourself. After all, why settle for off-the-shelf when you can create something uniquely yours? Build a Raspberry Pi 5 NAS Why Use a Raspberry Pi 5 for Your NAS? The Raspberry Pi 5 is a versatile and powerful platform, making it an excellent choice for building a NAS. Its compact size, energy efficiency, and advanced features such as the PCIe interface allow for robust storage configurations. The PCIe interface supports multiple drives and enables faster data transfer rates, making it suitable for demanding storage tasks. Additionally, the Raspberry Pi 5's affordability and modularity make it accessible for both beginners and experienced tech enthusiasts. By combining the Raspberry Pi 5 with 3D-printed components and reliable software, you can create a system that balances performance, cost, and customization. This approach ensures that your NAS is not only functional but also adaptable to future upgrades. Key Hardware Components To build your NAS, you will need the following essential components: Raspberry Pi 5: The core of your NAS, featuring a PCIe port for storage expansion and efficient processing capabilities. The core of your NAS, featuring a PCIe port for storage expansion and efficient processing capabilities. Radxa Penta SATA Hat: A critical component that allows you to connect up to four SATA drives to your Raspberry Pi. A critical component that allows you to connect up to four SATA drives to your Raspberry Pi. Storage Drives: Four 4TB WD RED NAS drives are recommended for their reliability, durability, and performance in RAID setups. Four 4TB WD RED NAS drives are recommended for their reliability, durability, and performance in RAID setups. Cooling System: An active cooler and an 80mm fan to maintain optimal operating temperatures and prevent overheating. An active cooler and an 80mm fan to maintain optimal operating temperatures and prevent overheating. Power Supply: A 12V power adapter capable of supporting both the Raspberry Pi and the connected drives. This modular hardware setup ensures that your NAS is future-proof and easy to upgrade, allowing you to replace or add components as your storage needs evolve. Raspberry Pi 5 4-Bay NAS Build Watch this video on YouTube. Find more information on Network Attached Storage (NAS) projects by browsing our extensive range of articles, guides and tutorials. Designing and Printing a Custom Enclosure A custom 3D-printed enclosure is essential for protecting your hardware and enhancing the overall functionality of your NAS. Using design software such as Fusion 360, you can create a split-design enclosure tailored to your components. Printing the enclosure with a high-quality 3D printer, such as the Bambulab P1S, in durable black PLA ensures a professional and polished finish. Key features of the enclosure include: Swappable Drive Trays: These allow for quick and easy drive replacements or upgrades without the need to dismantle the entire system. These allow for quick and easy drive replacements or upgrades without the need to dismantle the entire system. Efficient Airflow: Integrated vents and cable management spaces ensure proper cooling and prevent overheating. Integrated vents and cable management spaces ensure proper cooling and prevent overheating. Secure Assembly: Brass inserts and screws provide a sturdy and reliable build, making sure the enclosure remains durable over time. This custom enclosure not only enhances the usability of your NAS but also adds a layer of personalization and practicality to your build. Software Setup with OpenMediaVault Once the hardware is assembled, the next step is configuring the software. OpenMediaVault (OMV) is a powerful and user-friendly NAS management software that simplifies storage configuration and system monitoring. Follow these steps to set up your NAS: Install Raspberry Pi OS Lite: Flash the operating system onto a microSD card to serve as the foundation for your NAS. Flash the operating system onto a microSD card to serve as the foundation for your NAS. Install OpenMediaVault: Set up OMV to manage storage configurations, user access, and file-sharing protocols. Set up OMV to manage storage configurations, user access, and file-sharing protocols. Activate the PCIe Port: Ensure that the connected drives are recognized by the system for seamless operation. Ensure that the connected drives are recognized by the system for seamless operation. Configure RAID 5: Set up a RAID 5 array to balance storage capacity and data redundancy, protecting your files against potential drive failures. OMV supports various file-sharing protocols, including SMB, NFS, and FTP, making sure compatibility with a wide range of devices on your network. Its intuitive interface makes it easy to monitor and manage your NAS. Performance Optimization and Testing Testing and optimizing your NAS is crucial to ensure it meets your performance expectations. Focus on the following key metrics: Network Speeds: The Raspberry Pi 5's Gigabit Ethernet port delivers read and write speeds of approximately 110MBps. For faster performance, consider upgrading to a 2.5G Ethernet adapter, which can achieve speeds of 200-250MBps under optimal conditions. The Raspberry Pi 5's Gigabit Ethernet port delivers read and write speeds of approximately 110MBps. For faster performance, consider upgrading to a 2.5G Ethernet adapter, which can achieve speeds of 200-250MBps under optimal conditions. Power Consumption: The system is energy-efficient, consuming around 18W at idle and 30W under load, making it suitable for continuous operation. The system is energy-efficient, consuming around 18W at idle and 30W under load, making it suitable for continuous operation. Cooling Efficiency: The active cooling system ensures that drive temperatures remain within safe limits, although the fan may produce noticeable noise levels (approximately 54 decibels) in quiet environments. By addressing these performance factors, you can ensure that your NAS operates efficiently and reliably, even under heavy workloads. Addressing Common Challenges Building a NAS can present challenges, but these can be overcome with careful planning and attention to detail. Common issues include: Component Fitment: Ensure that the enclosure design provides adequate clearance for drive trays and secure mounting for the Raspberry Pi. Ensure that the enclosure design provides adequate clearance for drive trays and secure mounting for the Raspberry Pi. Software Configuration: Fine-tune OpenMediaVault settings to optimize performance and compatibility with your network. Fine-tune OpenMediaVault settings to optimize performance and compatibility with your network. CPU Limitations: Be aware that the Raspberry Pi's CPU may limit RAID calculations during high-speed data transfers, which could affect performance under heavy workloads. By addressing these challenges early in the build process, you can create a more reliable and efficient NAS. Key Benefits of This NAS Build A Raspberry Pi 5-based NAS offers several advantages, making it an excellent choice for home users and tech enthusiasts: Customizable 3D-printed enclosure for enhanced functionality and aesthetics. RAID 5 configuration for data redundancy and efficient storage utilization. Improved network performance with optional 2.5G Ethernet upgrades. Energy-efficient operation suitable for continuous use. Modular design for easy upgrades and maintenance. These features make this NAS build a versatile and cost-effective solution for managing your storage needs. Whether you're storing media, backing up files, or hosting a personal cloud, this system offers a reliable and scalable platform for your data. Media Credit: Michael Klements Filed Under: DIY Projects, Hardware, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Geeky Gadgets
30-07-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
Easily Build a Budget NAS with a Raspberry Pi 4 and Save Big on Storage
Have you ever wished for a simple, affordable way to centralize your files, stream media, or back up your data—without shelling out hundreds of dollars for a commercial solution? Here's the good news: with a Raspberry Pi 4, you can build your own budget-friendly NAS (Network Attached Storage) system that's powerful enough to handle everyday storage needs. Imagine having a compact, energy-efficient device sitting quietly on your desk, seamlessly managing your data across devices. Whether you're a tech enthusiast eager to tinker or someone looking for a practical DIY project, this hands-on breakdown will show you how to transform a Raspberry Pi into a reliable storage hub. In this guide by Microck, you'll discover how to assemble, configure, and optimize an affordable NAS using the Raspberry Pi 4 mini PC. From selecting the right hardware—like USB to SATA adapters and powered hubs—to mastering the OpenMediaVault software, every step is designed to make the process approachable and rewarding. Along the way, you'll uncover tips to maximize performance and tackle common challenges, making sure your setup is both efficient and frustration-free. Whether your goal is to create a secure backup system or a media streaming hub, this project offers endless possibilities for customization. Let's explore how this tiny yet versatile device can transform the way you manage your digital life. DIY Raspberry Pi 4 NAS What is a NAS and Why Use a Raspberry Pi 4? A NAS is a centralized storage solution that allows you to store, access, and share files across multiple devices within your network. It is particularly useful for tasks such as managing backups, streaming media, or hosting personal projects. The Raspberry Pi 4 is an excellent choice for building a DIY NAS due to its affordability, compact design, and energy efficiency. Equipped with a quad-core processor, multiple USB 3.0 ports, and support for both wired and wireless connectivity, the Raspberry Pi 4 delivers sufficient performance for most home storage needs. Whether you are a tech enthusiast or simply looking for a budget-friendly alternative to commercial NAS devices, the Raspberry Pi 4 offers a versatile and customizable platform. Essential Components for Your DIY NAS To build your NAS, you'll need the following hardware components: Raspberry Pi 4: Choose the 4GB or 8GB RAM model for better performance, especially if you plan to run additional services or manage large amounts of data. Choose the 4GB or 8GB RAM model for better performance, especially if you plan to run additional services or manage large amounts of data. USB to SATA Adapters: These adapters connect your hard drives to the Raspberry Pi's USB ports. Ensure they support the UAS protocol for faster data transfer speeds. These adapters connect your hard drives to the Raspberry Pi's USB ports. Ensure they support the UAS protocol for faster data transfer speeds. Powered USB Hubs: Necessary for powering multiple drives, particularly 3.5-inch models that require external power sources. Necessary for powering multiple drives, particularly 3.5-inch models that require external power sources. Hard Drives: Select reliable 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch drives based on your storage capacity needs and budget. Select reliable 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch drives based on your storage capacity needs and budget. Optional Enclosures: Use 3D-printed or commercially available enclosures to organize and protect your components. Additionally, ensure your power supply is adequate to support both the Raspberry Pi and any connected drives. Insufficient power can lead to performance issues or hardware instability, so investing in a high-quality power source is essential. Raspberry Pi 4 Budget NAS Build Watch this video on YouTube. Explore further guides and articles from our vast library that you may find relevant to your interests in Raspberry Pi. Installing and Configuring the Software The software foundation of your NAS is OpenMediaVault (OMV), a dedicated operating system designed for NAS functionality. Follow these steps to set up your system: Download and Install OMV: Obtain the OMV image and flash it onto a microSD card using tools like Balena Etcher. Insert the card into your Raspberry Pi and boot it up. Obtain the OMV image and flash it onto a microSD card using tools like Balena Etcher. Insert the card into your Raspberry Pi and boot it up. Network Configuration: Use a wired Ethernet connection for better stability. If necessary, configure wireless access during the initial setup process. Use a wired Ethernet connection for better stability. If necessary, configure wireless access during the initial setup process. Enable SSH Access: Tools like PuTTY (for Windows) or the terminal (for Linux/Mac) allow you to manage your NAS remotely, making it easier to perform updates or troubleshoot issues. OMV's web-based interface simplifies tasks such as managing storage, creating shared folders, and setting user permissions. Its intuitive design makes it accessible even for beginners, while still offering advanced features for experienced users. Optimizing Storage and Automating Backups Proper storage configuration and automated backups are critical to maximizing the efficiency and reliability of your NAS. Here's how to get started: Logical Volume Manager (LVM): Combine multiple drives into a single storage pool for easier management and scalability as your data needs grow. Combine multiple drives into a single storage pool for easier management and scalability as your data needs grow. File System: Format your drives using the ext4 file system, which is known for its reliability and performance in Linux-based systems. Format your drives using the ext4 file system, which is known for its reliability and performance in Linux-based systems. Shared Folders: Use OMV's interface to create shared folders and assign permissions, making sure secure access for different users or devices on your network. Use OMV's interface to create shared folders and assign permissions, making sure secure access for different users or devices on your network. Rsync for Backups: Automate file synchronization between your NAS and other devices using Rsync. Schedule regular backups to protect your data from accidental loss. Automate file synchronization between your NAS and other devices using Rsync. Schedule regular backups to protect your data from accidental loss. Compression Tools: Use compression utilities to reduce the size of backup files, optimizing your available storage space. Automation not only saves time but also ensures that your data is consistently backed up without requiring manual intervention. This is especially useful for maintaining regular backups of critical files. Expanding Functionality with Additional Features Your NAS can serve more purposes than just file storage. By using Docker, you can add advanced features and applications to your system: Webtop: Deploy a remote Linux desktop environment, allowing you to access and manage your NAS from virtually anywhere. Deploy a remote Linux desktop environment, allowing you to access and manage your NAS from virtually anywhere. Portainer: Simplify the management and monitoring of Docker containers with this user-friendly tool, allowing you to run additional services effortlessly. Simplify the management and monitoring of Docker containers with this user-friendly tool, allowing you to run additional services effortlessly. Media Servers: Install applications like Plex or Jellyfin to turn your NAS into a media streaming hub for your home network. These enhancements transform your NAS into a multi-functional device, capable of handling a wide range of tasks beyond basic storage. Troubleshooting Common Challenges Building a DIY NAS can present challenges, but most issues can be resolved with patience and research. Here are some common problems and solutions: Power Supply Issues: Use high-quality power cables and powered USB hubs to ensure stable operation, especially when connecting multiple drives. Use high-quality power cables and powered USB hubs to ensure stable operation, especially when connecting multiple drives. USB Adapter Compatibility: Verify that your USB to SATA adapters support the UAS protocol to avoid drive detection problems. Verify that your USB to SATA adapters support the UAS protocol to avoid drive detection problems. Drive Permissions: If shared folders are inaccessible from Windows devices, check your OMV permissions and SMB settings to resolve access issues. If shared folders are inaccessible from Windows devices, check your OMV permissions and SMB settings to resolve access issues. Plugin Failures: If OMV plugins fail to work, disabling the NTP server or adjusting time synchronization settings can often resolve the issue. By addressing these challenges proactively, you can ensure a smoother experience and a more reliable NAS setup. Building a Reliable and Versatile NAS Constructing a NAS with a Raspberry Pi 4 is a rewarding project that combines affordability with functionality. By carefully selecting hardware, configuring software, and optimizing storage, you can create a system tailored to your specific needs. While challenges may arise, they offer opportunities to learn and refine your setup. With the flexibility to expand and customize, your DIY NAS can evolve into a powerful tool for managing your digital life, offering both convenience and peace of mind. Media Credit: Microck Filed Under: Guides, Hardware Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
