Entry level, trying to set up first budget NAS

[Enquiries]

I'm looking to get a NAS system set up, as someone dipping into this for the first time. Here's the main features I'd like to have:
- Local storage (obviously)
- Google photos replacement - so photo remote sync with 2 Android phones, some sort of intelligent photo search feature would be amazing.
- Remote file access, similar to google drive. I'd like for secure access for both PC and Android.
- If it's possible to be able to share limited access to a specific folder with other people, that would be great but not necessary.
- Automatic backup of local PCs would be great, but not necessary.
- Probably going to eventually run a Jellyfin or Plex server, but that's not the initial concern.

I'd love to have an upgradable system, but I'm also a noob with this and recognize that might be signing up for a level of complexity I'm not up for. I do have a friend who may be able to give me an old HP Microserver 4 bay to use, but I'm still waiting to hear back on that. Thanks!

[ed]

Thanks for reaching out, and it sounds like you’re in a great position to start your NAS journey — especially with those IronWolf drives already in hand and the potential HP Microserver on offer (those were surprisingly capable little units for their time).

Given your needs — Google Photos alternative, remote file access, future media streaming, and potential shared folder access — here’s a quick breakdown:

1. Google Photos Replacement / Mobile Photo Sync:
The best current NAS platforms for this are Synology (with Synology Photos) and UGREEN NASync (UGOS Pro) if you want something newer. Both offer auto mobile photo backup, face/object recognition, album sorting, and web access.
However, if you use an older system like the HP Microserver, you can roll your own with PhotoPrism + Nextcloud on TrueNAS SCALE or UnRAID, though it’s more setup-heavy.

2. Remote Access / Google Drive Alternative:
All major NAS OS platforms (DSM, QTS, TrueNAS SCALE, UnRAID) allow secure remote access, especially if you use tools like:
• QuickConnect (Synology)
• myQNAPcloud Link (QNAP)
• Nextcloud or FileBrowser (Docker containers for DIY NAS)

Most will let you share folders with other users securely, with permission controls and link expiration.

3. Automatic PC Backup:
This is easy to set up later, either via built-in apps (Synology Active Backup for Business is excellent) or software like UrBackup, Duplicati, or even rsync scripts on DIY setups.

4. Jellyfin/Plex Later On:
Your IronWolf drives are great for this. Just make sure you eventually choose a NAS or system with Intel/AMD CPU (not ARM) for smooth Jellyfin/Plex use and possibly hardware transcoding if needed.

Recommendation if You Get the HP Microserver:
• Run TrueNAS SCALE or UnRAID
• Add 8–16GB of RAM (ECC if possible)
• Use Docker for PhotoPrism, Nextcloud, Jellyfin, etc.
It’s a bit of a learning curve, but lots of guides (including ours) can walk you through it step-by-step.

If You Don’t Get the HP:
Look into a second-hand Synology DS920+, DS418play, or even a QNAP TS-453D on eBay. You might score one for ~$200–300 without drives. They support Docker, photo indexing, mobile apps, and future expansion.