“Back in 2018, I published an instructable sharing my build on my Raspberry Pi NAS that really looks like a NAS project. I have been using it for some time back in 2018 - 2019 and finally move on to a NUC as host as this is wasting too much space and I was doing frequent travel back in those time.
During recent years, as Google started to limit their “unlimited” cloud storage for university, my student account also get affected. I started to move my files back to my NUC and all my available storage devices like PC and external hard disks.
My NUC only got a single slot for 2.5 inch HDD and after using it for years, it finally started to run out of space. This is the reason why I urgently need another solution that is low cost, with more storage space with 3.5 inch HDD and small footprint. After some consideration, I decided to remake this project, this time with much more compact and reproducible design (i.e. can be mass manufactured if I want to).
As I am an open source software and hardware developer, I am always delightful to share my design to anyone who needs it. So that is why I am here to share the design to you guys, and hope I can solve your issue if you are facing similar issues as I do.
Design Goals
In my design, I want to achieve the following goals.
- Small foot print, try to utilize every inch of space inside the device as possible
- Low cost, try to use low cost components and achieve the best performance out of the device
- High compatibility, it should be works with parts that can be purchased all around the globe
- Low dependencies, it should be with minimal dependencies of a single manufacturer
- Acceptable speed, it should be able to playback 1080p video for 1 - 2 people with up/down speed of at least 100Mbps
That is why I finally settle on this design. Stay tune and in the following sections, I will show you how to make your own NAS in less than 60 USD!
Supplies
To build yourself this NAS, you need the following parts (Sort from hardest to buy to easiest / generic)
- SATA to USB2.0 Adapter (Any one that can fit inside will do. If you are using a different one than mine, you can modify the adapter holding arm to fit. More details below)
- Orange Pi Zero (Or any SBC that can fit inside this case, including Raspberry pi 4, Orange Pi Zero 2 etc)
- Custom Power Management PCB
- XL6009 adjustable / fixed voltage buck boost converter ( 2 x 12V, 1 x 5V, pick one with higher build quality for 24/7 operations)
- 2.1mm DC power jack
- 6010 DC Fan (5V, 12V or 24V, depends on your config)
- M3 x 4, M3 x 5, M3 x 6 and M3 x 10 screws
- 12V 6A, 24V 3A power brick or 65W GaN charger + 20V 3.25A triggering cable
- hot glue
- soldering tools, wires and all electronic project essentials”