Build custom NAS using Truenas Scale

[Enquiries]

Hi Guys,
I'm trying to decide whether to build a NAS or buy an 8 Bay NAS (e.g. QNAP TS-873A). In both cases I'd like to use Truenas scale as the OS.
I have two netgear readynas's (both have 6 Bay). They're working OK, but I'd like to have a 3rd machine running on a more recent OS. Currently , the 'secondary' readynas copy's changes on the 'primary' using rsync nightly. The 3rd NAS would become the new 'primary' and both 'secondaries' would use rsync to copy changes on the new primary. Can a NAS be built for <£900 that would be equivalent to say QNAP TS-873A? I only use the NAS for storage. I'm not convinced by the Jonsbo HDD &quot;tray's&quot;, although in your videos they seem to be the best option for custom builds. My reason for mentioning the QNAP is I prefer its trays to Jonsbo. Requirements are: 36TB storage over 6 to 12 bays (running RAIDZ2); IPMI (nice to have, not essential); 10Gb (1 or 2 ports; 8-16GB ECC ). Would you suggest going down the build or buy path?
Thanks for your time.

[ed]

It sounds like you're aiming for a custom-built NAS with TrueNAS Scale to replace your current setup. Based on your requirements (36TB storage, RAIDZ2, 10GbE, IPMI, and 8-16GB ECC), it may be challenging to build an equivalent NAS for £900 that matches the specs and convenience of something like the QNAP TS-873A, especially with your preference for HDD trays and support for ECC memory.

While custom builds can offer flexibility and often a better price-to-performance ratio, you may find it difficult to match the QNAP TS-873A's build quality, support, and out-of-the-box features, especially the trays and IPMI. If the Jonsbo trays are not your preference, a custom build could require you to source compatible parts for a smooth setup, but this might increase the cost and complexity.

Here’s a possible approach for the custom build:

Motherboard: Look for a server-grade motherboard (e.g., with IPMI support) that supports ECC RAM and has enough PCIe lanes for a 10GbE card.
CPU: A low-power Intel Xeon or AMD Ryzen could provide enough performance, depending on the core count.
Storage: You can source HDD trays separately, but as you noted, the Jonsbo might be less desirable than something like QNAP’s proprietary trays.
Case: Opt for a case like the Fractal Design Define 7 XL, which supports up to 12 HDDs, or other similar options.
That being said, if you're looking for a more turnkey solution with less hassle in setup and better support, you may want to buy a pre-built NAS like the QNAP TS-873A or similar models, even if it exceeds your £900 budget.