09-13-2024, 09:55 AM
Given your situation with the Terramaster F4-423 and your current setup, here’s a breakdown of the NAS operating system options you’re considering:
1. TrueNAS SCALE
Pros:
Advanced Features: TrueNAS SCALE offers advanced features including ZFS, which provides robust data protection and advanced storage management.
Docker and Virtualization: It supports Docker containers and virtualization, so you can continue using services like Plex and Jellyfin.
Cons:
Complexity: TrueNAS SCALE can be complex for beginners, especially with ZFS. It requires a bit more technical know-how.
ECC Memory: While ECC memory is recommended for ZFS to prevent data corruption, it is not strictly required, but it's highly advisable for better reliability.
Drive Management: TrueNAS SCALE typically uses ZFS, which prefers drives to be part of a RAID-like pool. Managing drives as separate entities is less straightforward, and you might lose some flexibility with hot-swapping drives directly.
2. UnRAID
Pros:
Flexibility: UnRAID offers flexibility with drive management. You can keep drives separate and still use them for a storage array with parity. This aligns well with your preference for managing drives individually.
Docker and Virtualization: It has excellent support for Docker containers and virtual machines.
File System Compatibility: It supports multiple file systems, making it easier to connect drives to other systems.
Cons:
Cost: UnRAID is not free; you need to purchase a license. The cost can be a consideration, especially for a home setup.
User Groups: UnRAID’s user and group management is less advanced compared to some other systems, but it should meet basic needs.
3. OpenMediaVault (OMV)
Pros:
Simplicity: OMV is user-friendly and relatively easy to set up. It offers essential features without being too complex.
Flexibility: OMV supports plugins for additional features like web servers and virtualization, though it might require extra configuration.
Cons:
Advanced Features: OMV may lack some advanced features compared to TrueNAS SCALE or UnRAID. For example, its built-in support for virtualization and Docker is more limited and might require plugins or additional setup.
Recommendations
Given your needs:
If you’re looking for a balance of functionality and ease of use with good Docker and virtualization support, UnRAID seems like a suitable choice, despite the cost. It allows you to manage drives more flexibly and has good support for the features you need.
If you prefer a free solution and are comfortable with a bit more complexity, TrueNAS SCALE would be a robust option, especially if you’re open to using ZFS and don’t need to frequently swap drives.
If you prefer simplicity and a straightforward setup, OMV could work, but you may need to rely on plugins for full functionality.
1. TrueNAS SCALE
Pros:
Advanced Features: TrueNAS SCALE offers advanced features including ZFS, which provides robust data protection and advanced storage management.
Docker and Virtualization: It supports Docker containers and virtualization, so you can continue using services like Plex and Jellyfin.
Cons:
Complexity: TrueNAS SCALE can be complex for beginners, especially with ZFS. It requires a bit more technical know-how.
ECC Memory: While ECC memory is recommended for ZFS to prevent data corruption, it is not strictly required, but it's highly advisable for better reliability.
Drive Management: TrueNAS SCALE typically uses ZFS, which prefers drives to be part of a RAID-like pool. Managing drives as separate entities is less straightforward, and you might lose some flexibility with hot-swapping drives directly.
2. UnRAID
Pros:
Flexibility: UnRAID offers flexibility with drive management. You can keep drives separate and still use them for a storage array with parity. This aligns well with your preference for managing drives individually.
Docker and Virtualization: It has excellent support for Docker containers and virtual machines.
File System Compatibility: It supports multiple file systems, making it easier to connect drives to other systems.
Cons:
Cost: UnRAID is not free; you need to purchase a license. The cost can be a consideration, especially for a home setup.
User Groups: UnRAID’s user and group management is less advanced compared to some other systems, but it should meet basic needs.
3. OpenMediaVault (OMV)
Pros:
Simplicity: OMV is user-friendly and relatively easy to set up. It offers essential features without being too complex.
Flexibility: OMV supports plugins for additional features like web servers and virtualization, though it might require extra configuration.
Cons:
Advanced Features: OMV may lack some advanced features compared to TrueNAS SCALE or UnRAID. For example, its built-in support for virtualization and Docker is more limited and might require plugins or additional setup.
Recommendations
Given your needs:
If you’re looking for a balance of functionality and ease of use with good Docker and virtualization support, UnRAID seems like a suitable choice, despite the cost. It allows you to manage drives more flexibly and has good support for the features you need.
If you prefer a free solution and are comfortable with a bit more complexity, TrueNAS SCALE would be a robust option, especially if you’re open to using ZFS and don’t need to frequently swap drives.
If you prefer simplicity and a straightforward setup, OMV could work, but you may need to rely on plugins for full functionality.