First-time NAS + backup NAS

[Enquiries]

Hi, first off, thanks for all the work you do, it is very informative!

I am considering purchasing a NAS for the first time, probably a 6-bay with 12-16TB HDDs. Obviously, I would also need another NAS for backup.

I am interested in the Asustor AS6706T as my main NAS (I intend to use it for personal storage and as a media server with Plex), and a Synology 1621+ as the backup.

I have the following questions please:
- Would these NASs be suitable? Or should some other devices be considered, especially for the backup (I am not sure if it would be overkill)?
- Do you recommend installing SSDs to serve as cache? If so, what capacity should they have?
- What level of RAID should be used? I presume the same level should be used on both the main and backup NASs?
- What services do you recommend as (cost-effective) cloud backup?
- Would there be any issues if I purchased some drives a few months/years after the first set of drives (in terms of compatibility with the other drives)?

Thanks!

[ed]

Hello there! First, thanks for your kind words—we're thrilled to help you on your NAS journey! The combination you've chosen seems well-suited for your needs. The Asustor AS6706T is a solid choice for your main NAS, especially since you intend to use it for personal storage and as a media server with Plex. The Synology DS1621+ as the backup NAS is also a good move, ensuring data redundancy and protection. You're certainly on the right track!

Regarding SSD cache, for typical home use, it's not a top priority, but if you opt for an all-NVMe SSD setup, you can significantly boost application performance. This could be especially beneficial when you're working with apps, ensuring swift response times. It's a great way to go beyond the usual cache setup.

For your RAID setup, I recommend RAID 5 for the primary NAS (Asustor AS6706T). This gives you a good balance between capacity, performance, and data redundancy. For the backup NAS (Synology DS1621+), you could consider JBOD (Just a Bunch of Disks), which provides each drive as a separate volume. It's simpler in this case since the primary concern here is data backup and redundancy.

When it comes to cloud backup, cost-effectiveness is a crucial factor. Backblaze is a popular choice among users for its affordability and simplicity. It's important to ensure that your crucial data is backed up securely, and Backblaze does a good job at that.

Regarding your last question, buying drives gradually can indeed be a prudent strategy. It reduces the risk of multiple drives failing simultaneously. Mixing drives from different batches and production dates is generally okay, especially with modern NAS systems. However, it's a good practice to stick with the same drive model and specs for consistency.