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I already have a Freebsd Samba server.
I think I want:
4 bay raid nas:
3x 8tb raid 5
1x 8tb hot spare
just to do backups of the pc's at home
and daily website CPanel backups
I don't know what all the 3rd party apps do but that suggests I don't need them.
I'm struggling to parse through the multitude of options.
I'd like for the solution to be under $200USD but that may be unrealistic.
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For a reliable and straightforward 4-bay NAS to handle PC and daily website backups, there are a few budget-friendly options worth considering, though prices can be a bit tight within the $200–$300 range. Here’s what could work:
TerraMaster F4-210 - Around $240:
A solid choice for budget NAS, the F4-210 supports RAID 5 and is suitable for backups, which would make it a good fit for your requirements.
4-bay configuration allows you to set up 3 x 8TB in RAID 5 and have a hot spare.
No-frills OS—ideal if you don’t need extensive apps or plugins.
QNAP TS-431K - Around $300 (occasionally on sale):
The TS-431K is a reliable entry-level NAS, with a simple setup that’s well-suited for automated backups.
QNAP's OS may include some extra apps, but they’re optional and don’t interfere with using it as a backup device.
Supports 4-bay RAID 5 with a hot spare, and the interface makes it easy to configure regular backup tasks.
Asustor AS1004T V2 - Around $250:
Known for good stability, this model supports RAID 5 and provides decent performance for a small office or home backup setup.
Runs on ADM OS, which includes backup tools without requiring third-party apps if you prefer a leaner setup.
While Synology and higher-end QNAP models might offer better overall performance and apps, these options balance simplicity with functionality and meet your budget requirements for a straightforward backup-focused NAS.
