02-16-2024, 11:03 AM
NAS choices:
For simplicity:
Asustor R1: Good option for beginners, user-friendly interface, limited expandability.
Terramaster F4-424: Similar experience to Asustor, more flexibility with apps and features.
For flexibility:
Terramaster F4-424 Pro: Similar to F4-424 with more powerful processor and RAM, better for future upgrades.
Custom DIY: Most control and customization, requires technical knowledge and time investment.
Software considerations:
Proxmox and TrueNAS in VMs: Possible, but consider resource requirements and complexity. Might be simpler to run TrueNAS directly on the NAS device.
pfSense as a VM: Possible, but ensure your NAS has enough resources and supports network passthrough. Exporting data isn't necessary, pfSense handles firewall/VPN independently.
Specific thoughts:
Budget: Your 500-600 USD budget is good for most pre-built options with 4-8 TB storage. Factor in hard drives if buying a diskless NAS.
Location: Puerto Rico shouldn't affect your NAS choices significantly.
Media downloading: Many NAS software options have apps for automated downloads (e.g., Sonarr, Radarr). Check compatibility with your chosen NAS.
Remote viewing: Both Plex and Emby media servers are common NAS choices for remote streaming.
Recommendations:
If you prioritize simplicity and user-friendliness: Asustor R1 or Terramaster F4-424.
If you prefer more flexibility and future expandability: Terramaster F4-424 Pro or a custom DIY setup.
For software: Start with running TrueNAS directly on the NAS. Run pfSense in a VM only if the NAS is powerful enough and supports network passthrough.
For simplicity:
Asustor R1: Good option for beginners, user-friendly interface, limited expandability.
Terramaster F4-424: Similar experience to Asustor, more flexibility with apps and features.
For flexibility:
Terramaster F4-424 Pro: Similar to F4-424 with more powerful processor and RAM, better for future upgrades.
Custom DIY: Most control and customization, requires technical knowledge and time investment.
Software considerations:
Proxmox and TrueNAS in VMs: Possible, but consider resource requirements and complexity. Might be simpler to run TrueNAS directly on the NAS device.
pfSense as a VM: Possible, but ensure your NAS has enough resources and supports network passthrough. Exporting data isn't necessary, pfSense handles firewall/VPN independently.
Specific thoughts:
Budget: Your 500-600 USD budget is good for most pre-built options with 4-8 TB storage. Factor in hard drives if buying a diskless NAS.
Location: Puerto Rico shouldn't affect your NAS choices significantly.
Media downloading: Many NAS software options have apps for automated downloads (e.g., Sonarr, Radarr). Check compatibility with your chosen NAS.
Remote viewing: Both Plex and Emby media servers are common NAS choices for remote streaming.
Recommendations:
If you prioritize simplicity and user-friendliness: Asustor R1 or Terramaster F4-424.
If you prefer more flexibility and future expandability: Terramaster F4-424 Pro or a custom DIY setup.
For software: Start with running TrueNAS directly on the NAS. Run pfSense in a VM only if the NAS is powerful enough and supports network passthrough.