Learn how to build an energy-efficient NAS for home use. This guide covers hardware selection, storage planning, software options, and optimization tips for a NAS that runs 24/7 without breaking the bank on electricity.
A Network Attached Storage (NAS) device is essential for any home server setup. Running 24/7 to provide file access, backups, and media streaming, power efficiency becomes critical for long-term cost savings.
**Benefits of a low-power NAS:**
**Typical use cases:**
| CPU | TDP | Cores | Idle Power | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intel N100 | 6W | 4 | 6-10W | Budget builds |
| Intel N305 | 15W | 8 | 8-15W | Heavy workloads |
| Intel N6005 | 10W | 4 | 6-12W | NAS boards |
| AMD 5700U | 15W | 8 | 10-18W | Performance |
**Key considerations:**
**HDDs (bulk storage):**
**SSDs (cache/speed):**
**Capacity Planning:**
**Power per drive (typical):**
**ZFS Advantages:**
**ZFS Considerations:**
**Recommendation:**
**TrueNAS Scale** (Recommended for ZFS)
**OpenMediaVault** (Recommended for beginners)
**Unraid** (Recommended for flexibility)
| **Comparison:** | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Feature | TrueNAS | OMV | Unraid |
| Cost | Free | Free | $59+ |
| RAM Need | High | Low | Medium |
| Docker | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ease | Medium | Easy | Easy |
HDD Spin-Down Settings:
`bash
# hdparm for spin-down (20 = 100 seconds)
hdparm -S 20 /dev/sda
# Make persistent in /etc/hdparm.conf
/dev/sda {
spindown_time = 20
}
`
**Wake-on-LAN Setup:**
**Storage Optimization:**
**Network Efficiency:**
**Scheduling:**
Data Protection: 1. 3-2-1 Backup rule: 3 copies, 2 media types, 1 offsite 2. Regular scrub/verify schedules 3. Test restores periodically 4. Monitor drive health (SMART)
Security: 1. Strong passwords, disable default accounts 2. Firewall: Only expose necessary ports 3. Keep software updated 4. Consider VPN for remote access
Performance: 1. Network bonding for higher throughput 2. SSD cache for read-heavy workloads 3. Jumbo frames if network supports it 4. Separate network for NAS traffic
Maintenance: 1. Schedule regular backups 2. Monitor disk health weekly 3. Review logs for errors 4. Plan drive replacement budget
Power Monitoring: 1. Use smart plug for real usage data 2. Track cost over time 3. Identify power-hungry components
A low-power 2-bay NAS with SSDs uses 10-15W. With spinning HDDs, expect 15-25W. Enterprise NAS devices can use 50-100W or more. At US average rates, a 15W NAS costs about $15/year to run.
Build if you want better performance, more flexibility, and lower cost. Buy pre-built (Synology/QNAP) if you want polished software, mobile apps, and easier setup. A DIY NAS typically costs 20-40% less for equivalent specs.
ZFS is best for data integrity with checksums and self-healing. ext4 is simpler and works well for basic needs. Btrfs offers some ZFS features with lower RAM requirements. NTFS if you need Windows compatibility.
Minimum 2 drives for redundancy (RAID 1 mirror). 4+ drives enable more efficient RAID 5/6 or ZFS RAIDZ configurations. Start with 2 and expand as needed—most NAS software supports adding drives.