04-30-2025, 02:21 PM
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.
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.