I Replaced My Synology NAS with a Custom-Built Server Running Proxmox
Taking Back Control of Data Storage
When I first started using a Synology NAS years ago, it served simply as storage for image files created for work and media files for Plex. It was never meant to be a home lab, but over time it became one. Eventually, it tried to run multiple tasks simultaneously and failed at all of them.
Building a New Home Lab Server
Creating my own server was always in my plan for experimenting in my home lab, and now is the time to act. The NAS will return to its original role of storing archival files, while the new custom-built server will manage the heavy workloads.
Limitations of the Old Setup
- The Synology NAS’s hardware limits no longer meet my needs.
- The mini PC was constrained to 12GB of RAM, without upgrade options.
- The NAS enclosure could handle up to 64GB of RAM, but lacked GPU support for workload acceleration.
- I had also run out of available drive bays on the NAS.
Article Disclosure
SilverStone, Asus, and Kingston all contributed hardware for this article. None of the companies saw the copy before publication or had any input into the content.
While company missteps accelerated the decision to replace the NAS, this change was brewing for some time as my home lab grew beyond the existing resources.
Author's Summary
Upgrading from a limited NAS to a custom server restored control over my expanding home lab, allowing better performance and scalability.