So, I have a BeeLink AMD 5600k mini pc and 3x 4TB SSDs lying around, from another project. Can I put these together for a quick and easy and free NAS? The one downside I have upfront is that the mini pc doesn't seem to expose additional SATA ports, so I will probably be relegated to USB 3 connections for the SSDs, still worth it and would TrueNAS be a reasonable OS for this?
I was thinking that I could do a Z1 pool and get *TB useable.
Certainly! It's indeed possible to repurpose your BeeLink AMD 5600k mini PC and utilize the 3x 4TB SSDs you have available for a makeshift NAS setup. Although the mini PC might not provide additional SATA ports, you can still make use of the USB 3 connections for the SSDs, which should work well for a basic NAS setup. In terms of the operating system, TrueNAS could be a reasonable choice for this scenario. However, it's worth considering that since you're looking at a Z1 pool, the usable space might be around *TB (which you didn't specify).
If you're aiming for a simpler and lighter option, you might also want to explore Unraid as an alternative operating system. It provides a user-friendly experience, particularly for those with limited hardware resources. Keep in mind that while this setup won't cost you any additional money, it's essential to assess your storage needs and the performance requirements of your use case. In the end, both TrueNAS and Unraid can be viable solutions depending on your preferences and the specific demands of your NAS usage.