Should I Run a NAS or Home Server?

When looking to build a new backup solution for your home or small business, you may find yourself asking the question of whether it’s better to build a complete home server or use a Network Attached Storage (NAS) device instead. There are several advantages and disadvantages to each, including power consumption differences, features, as well as the actual devices available for purchase or assembly.

Network Attached Storage

Advantages

When considering a NAS over a complete home server, there are several advantages to be had. First and foremost is the low power consumption and noise levels relative to a full server. NAS systems are generally designed to be quieter and smaller than a full server because they only provide storage– not other functions like email service or video transcoding–and therefore are often better suited for situations where noise or power consumption are key factors.

Also, you have the option to purchase pre-built NAS systems such as the Drobo 5N or one of the various Synology models, which come in complete packages (with or without hard drives). This allows you to simply purchase the device and connect it to your network. As a bonus, companies such as Drobo include redundant storage technology that automatically keeps your data safe and stored on multiple drives.

Disadvantages

Though the low power usage is fantastic, it comes at a cost– it requires NAS systems to be relatively single purpose. That is, they generally only provide storage and backup features. Unlike a home server that can run any application your existing PC can, NAS systems normally only provide file shares and limited “apps” that extend functionality marginally.

Home Server

Advantages

Home servers can be quite powerful. Depending on which model you buy or build, the machine can be powerful enough to provide quite a few different services, including live transcoding on 1080p video by Plex or an email server. Of course, you’re not even limited to buying a new system– older laptops make great servers because they’re designed to be low-powered relative to a desktop, and they have a built-in backup UPS in the form of an internal battery.

Disadvantages

Of course, if you’re using an older computer (or a more powerful system), it’s likely noise and can run hot. This isn’t ideal if you’re planning on just hiding the computer, and since home servers likely will need decent ventilation to prevent overheating, you can’t just stuff it in a closet. Servers can also be expensive if you’re buying a new one– expect a cost of $400 or more if you want a system powerful enough to be a media server with transcoding capabilities.

Should I Buy a NAS or Home Server?

Which system you choose should depend on what you’re looking for in a storage and backup solution. If you’re aiming to just have an always-on system that can store files, choose a nice NAS. Otherwise, if you’re looking for a media server that can perform as your personal Netflix, a home server is the ideal choice.

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