DIY NAS

[Enquiries]

Hi, I would like to build a NAS that can house a cybersecurity homelab with OpenVPN, OPNsense/pfSense, Kali Linux. I am considering to use TrueNAS Scale since it allows scalability in the future if I want to expand my storage.

I would like some advice on what hardware I should be getting for this build.

[ed]

For a mid to high budget DIY NAS build that supports a cybersecurity homelab with OpenVPN, OPNsense/pfSense, Kali Linux, and future storage scalability via TrueNAS Scale, here's a general hardware suggestion:

CPU: At least an Intel i5 (12th gen or newer) or AMD Ryzen 5/7. ECC support is a plus if you go AMD (look at Ryzen Pro or Xeon/EPYC for ECC).

Motherboard: Look for a Mini-ITX board with 2.5GbE or better (Supermicro, ASRock Rack, or Asus Pro WS if you're going serious). Needs enough SATA/PCIe expandability.

RAM: 32GB DDR4 minimum, ideally ECC if supported by your board/CPU.

Boot Drive: 250–500GB NVMe SSD for OS.

Storage: Start with 2×8TB or 2×12TB NAS drives (IronWolf, WD Red Plus/Pro), and expand as needed.

Case: Node 304, Silverstone DS380, or Jonsbo N3 are good options for compact builds with decent drive bays.

PSU: Quality 450–650W PSU (modular if possible).

NIC: Add-on 10GbE card later if your board supports it and budget allows.